TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: Margao Municipal Council’s special meeting held in the absence of Chief Officer Deepali Naik on Monday resolved to keep in abeyance the controversial e-tender process till all the works are inspected and verified along with the ward Councillor to avoid duplication.
The meeting also resolved to recover losses, if any, from the persons concerned if it is proved that the council has suffered a loss on account of irregular procedure. It was also resolved to float fresh tender with fresh estimate wherever necessary if the inspection of the sites shows duplication of the works.
At the outset, outgoing Chairperson Arthur D’Silva sought to know from acting chairperson Berta Cardozo over the legality of the special meeting in the absence of the Chief Officer, who is convalescing in hospital. When he asked the Municipal engineer Diniz D’Mello whether he has assumed charge of the Chief Officer, the later replied saying he cannot take charge of the CO. Incidentally, Arthur maintained at the meeting that the municipal engineer should be held responsible for any duplication of work as alleged by a section of Councillors
Participating in the discussions, Pratima Coutinho said none of the Councillors want the funds to go back to the government because of the controversy, adding that the 12-member group had been demanded a re-tender to avoid duplication.
Councillor Sadanand Naik said no one is responsible for the irregularities in the procedure since the estimates were done over a year ago
The meeting also demanded special status for Goa to retain the land from being purchased by outsiders.
