CUNCOLIM: Laxman Naik, Cuncolim Municipal Council (CMC) chairperson on Thursday said the Council has not taken any decision to increase the garbage and sanitation fees.
Addressing media persons, he said, “The so-called hike in fees may have been done during the outgoing council’s term. Rumours are circulating on social media that the Council has increased garbage fees from 365 to Rs 720 per annum which is not true. Congress Cuncolim Block president Assis Noronha along with party workers had submitted a memorandum to the Council demanding that the annual garbage fees be reduced from Rs 720 to Rs 365. The Cuncolim Traders Association too had made a similar demand with regards to sanitation fees.”
“Since taking over as the chairperson, the Council has not taken any decision. I will put this demand before the next council meeting and will decide accordingly,” he said adding that ‘without the consent of the councillors it’s not appropriate to give any assurance.’
On pre-monsoon works, Naik said, “The Government is paying very low wages to daily wage workers hence it’s difficult to get labourers on the wages prescribed by government. Despite this we have initiated pre-monsoon works in some wards and we are confident of completing them by May-end.”
On the demand to close the Sunday Market, the chairperson said, “It is not possible and not appropriate to shut the Sunday Market in Cuncolim. The Council is facing financial crunch and we need revenue in the municipal coffers so the demand to close down the Sunday Market will not be accepted.”
