Housing the State Legislative Assembly and some major commercial establishments, Porvorim town has witnessed significant development in the last couple of years. But the irony is that it still struggles to have a full-fledged market facility for its residents.
The Goa government had received applauds for its decision to set up the state-of-the-art facility, comprising of 94 shops, 27 offices, conference hall, community hall, marriage hall and a restaurant at an estimated at Rs 15 crore in 2013. However, this much needed project is pending over three years now due to lack of political will, local MLA Rohan Khaunte alleges.
“The two projects of the Goa Housing Board (GHB), market and the jogger’s park, have been delayed for reasons best known to them (GHB). It could be because of political reason subject to discussion…The government is not focused and has no vision to take this project on priority which is why the infrastructure completion is pending for such a long time,” he said speaking to Herald.
The jogger’s park comprising of a walking track, amphitheatre, senior citizens sitting area, etc, is also caught in hurdles. Khaunte, meanwhile, claimed he has offered basic facilities for the youth to play outdoor games besides requirements. “How long will our residents wait for these infrastructural works to be complete,” questioned the MLA, who has often raised the matter in the legislative assembly. He intends to once again raise Calling Attention Motion in the upcoming monsoon session of the Assembly. With market facility yet to take shape, the government had earlier proposed that existing shops in the old market would be accommodated in the new complex following which the remaining space would be auctioned. But paucity of funds has stalled the process.
“We have to either travel to Panjim or Mapusa to buy vegetables, pulses, fruits, and other commodities. The government should be serious to expedite this project for the sake of common man,” Shanu Dhumaskar, one of the residents said.
The facility would have been an added advantage to educational institutions as they are left with no option but to hold events in the outskirts owing to lack of space. To ease the pressure, it was proposed that a mini community centre or mini-auditorium on lines with Kala Academy be set up in the market facility.
