julio d’silva
julio@herald-goa.com
The letter written by Margao Municipal Council Chief Officer Johnson B Fernandes to the Executive Engineer of Electricity Department to disconnect the power connection given to 16 parties who have not paid their taxes to the MMC, appears to be an exercise in futility.
Johnson in the letter had mentioned that since the electricity connection was given to the parties based on the NOC given by the council, the same should be disconnected as the council has withdrawn the NOC for non-payment of taxes. The council aimed at recovering Rs 4,77,440 from the 16 parties.
However, some of the persons mentioned in the list squarely blamed MMC for the sorry state of affairs with Bhai Naik of Ranghavi Realtors (reported arrears of nearly Rs 50,000) accusing the council staff of being lethargic and not maintaining records.
“I always submit a list of people who have purchased apartments constructed by me. As soon as the sale deed is done I also inform the council of the transfer of land to the society and hence it is their duty to transfer the tax to the new owners,” said Bhai Naik.
He also took objection to the besmirching of his company name and asserted that his company does not owe any money to the MMC.
“One of the projects was completed in 1995 and one cannot expect me to keep records of that time while the council should be having all the records,” he said.
NG Lad, representing Ideal Housing Enterprises, who reportedly owes Rs 28,192 also said that the project was completed and the MMC was given the names of the new owners long back. “Even the company has been closed down as the project was complete,” he said.
Prakash Kothari of Swapna Developers that constructed the Osia Commercial Arcade laughed at the situation pointing out that they have sold the premises and intimated the council about it. Swapna Builders reportedly owe the MMC Rs 76,126.
Prakash, when pointed out to one address mentioned by the MMC for which taxes have not been paid, pointed out that the Survey Department of the Goa gave notices to wrong people and said they had replied to the demand notice sent by the council earlier.
