Team Herald
PANJIM: While garbage on the beaches has turned into a menace, the growing controversy over the beach cleaning tender is likely to worsen ahead of the peak tourist season. Amidst differences between Tourism Minister Manohar Azgaonkar and Goa Waste Management Corporation Director Michael Lobo to take up the activity, the issue has evoked mixed reaction from the main stakeholders.
After Lobo’s demand to hand over the beach to the Corporation, Azgaonkar has asked “other” to not interfere into the ongoing exercise. “The Tourism Department has enough expertise, manpower and ability to handle the beach cleaning work and I don’t want others to interfere and try to influence the working of the department.” Azgaonkar said responding to the statement by Lobo.
Expressing displeasure over Lobo’s outbursts, Azgaonkar stated that beach cleaning tenders have been floated by Goa Tourism after proper study, and the department will strictly follow all guidelines and procedures in appointing a new agency. “The tendering process will be transparent and foolproof and Goa Tourism will ensure that the eligible and best agency is appointed and no injustice will be done to anyone. We will not budge to any pressures and threats,” he said asking Lobo should have also applied and been part of the competitive bidding process.
Lobo has alleged that only one bidder Bhumika Cleantech Services, which is involved in the beach cleaning scam, has applied for the contract. The stakeholders on the other hand has sought that the issue be resolved in the interest of the Goans and visitors rather than politicizing it. While the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) has extended full support to the GWMC, the shack operators want it to be handled by efficient agency.
“Ever since the issue began, we have been insisting that GWMC handle the beach cleaning activity. We have even met Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar (before he took ill) and he had assured to heed to our request. The GWMC has been set up for a specific purpose and it s garbage cleaning in any part of the State, it is not the job of the tourism department,” TTAG President Savio Messias said speaking to Herald.
President of All Goa Traditional Shack Owners Cruz Cardozo has asked for a solution than turning the situation worst. “There should be no fight and no politics, but resolve the issue. Anybody who is efficient be it tourism department or GWMC, it should take up the task,” he said extending support to Lobo further stating, “If GWMC is confident it s capable to handle, the government should support it. We know Lobo has the zeal and he can accomplish his promises.”
