TEAM HERALD
Teamherald@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: The South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) faced the ire of citizens as a soak pit is overflowing in the Osia commercial complex under the PDA’s nose on Saturday.
Social activists and citizens alike, besides shop owners protested over the nuisance caused to the public in the commercial complex – which also houses the SGPDA office.
Activist Laurel Abranches contained that the PDA cannot abdicate its responsibility when the entire commercial complex as well as the mega market complex is in a messy state. “The PDA’s office is situated in the same commercial complex. Why cannot the PDA officials and members put a stop to the overflowing soak pits and septic tanks and give relief to the public visiting the government offices,” Abranches demanded to know.
He also took on the PDA for its indifference to the invasion of its property right opposite the Osia commercial complex by migrants. “When the people had asked the PDA to explain their in action against the migrants a couple of months ago, they had replied that the authority can act only upon a complaint,” Abranches lamented, while demanding to know whether these public bodies will act and protect their properties from encroachments only upon public complaints.
A shop owner pointed out that the entire Osia commercial complex is hit by the stench raised by the overflowing soak pit. “Look at the market conditions. Garbage is scattered everywhere. The drains are clogged with waste. Why can’t the PDA put the market in order and give relief to both the traders, vendors and the visiting public,” he lamented.
