Question: You have been elected MMC chairperson today. What are your priorities for the development of Mapusa town?
Roopa: My main priority would be hot-mixing of internal roads of Mapusa, which are in bad shape. Hence, I would ensure that all the roads are tarred before the onset of monsoon so that people of Mapusa do not face any problem. Secondly, completing the vegetable market as early as possible is very important. Once the work of vegetable market is completed, all the vegetable vendors will be shifted to the new premises and there will be plenty of space in the market. The fire personnel face problem while entering the market area when fire breaks out. MMC will ensure that all the passages are kept clear. Thirdly, I will sort out the problem of vendors from the flower market so that the new market project does not face any problem.
Q: Mapusa town has faced a lot of problems pertaining to parking space, sewage, sanitation, etc. How do you intend to tackle these problems?
R: Parking space problem has been haunting MMC for quite some time. The shifting of Kadamba bus stand will solve this problem. The process of land acquisition for new Kadamba bus stand has been completed and mud filling has already started. Deputy Chief Minister and Mapusa MLA Francis D’Souza is very keen on completion of the new bus stand. Once the new bus stand comes into existence, the existing bus stand will be utilized for parking.
Q: Despite being the most prominent town in Bardez taluka, Mapusa still lacks an art and cultural centre like a Ravindra Bhavan, much to the disappointment of artistes in and around Mapusa. What will you do in this matter?
R: MMC has already identified the area for Ravindra Bhavan near Bodgeswar Temple. Once the land acquisition process is completed, the road for Ravindra Bhavan will be cleared.
