PANJIM: The reconstruction of the third phase of the Panjim market complex has been stalled as the shopkeepers have now approached the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Panjim, with their grievances.
According to sources in the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), the Government Polytechnic College, Altinho, was entrusted with the task to carry out an inspection of the building and submit a report.
The college submitted its report, stating that the building is unsafe and that the building should be demolished to pave way for a new building. Following this, the CCP decided to demolish the building and construct a new one. It issued notices to the market tenants asking them to vacate their shops so as to start the construction work. But the shopkeepers approached the JMFC, Panjim, with a prayer that they be given an alternative accommodation till the new building comes up.
The court has now asked the CCP Commissioner to hear grievances of the shopkeepers and settle the matter.
CCP sources said, “Now it is upto the commissioner to convene a meeting with the shopkeepers from the market to decide on the issue at the earliest.”
The construction of Phase III of the Panjim Municipal Market has been pending for years.
even as the existing building housing fish and meat market has become weak and needs to be demolished.
In June last year, the fish vendors had urged the CCP Mayor Rohit Monserrate to consider providing them with larger space to conduct their business till the Corporation constructs a new fish market by demolishing the existing one.
The municipal market has been lying in dire straits for years. Currently, the new municipal market in Panjim is in complete shambles. The market is covered with filth.
Earlier, the CCP had invited proposals from architects for comprehensive design, repair and upgradation work of phase one and two of the municipal market.
