VASCO: The Goa Prison Authorities have shifted all Sada Sub Jail inmates to Colvale Central Jail.
The move comes following a serious clash between the inmates and jailbreak attempt by them reported on January 24, last year.
The authorities said, “The shifting is for a temporary period as they want to conduct a structure stability test so as to take decision, whether to repair the existing dilapidated and old jail building or to construct a new one at same site.”
Soon after the inmates were shifted, the Prison authorities officially roped in the services of office of Assistant Engineer PWD, Sub- Division IV, Works Division VIII (Buildings-Vasco) with the request to conduct non-destructive test (NDT) on the existing structure and then to submit recommendations. Surprisingly, even after a year, Sada jail renovation/repair work is in limbo due to financial approval of Rs 5 lakh to conduct NDT test by the PWD has not been sanctioned as yet.
“As per the meeting held at the office of IG prison, it was decided to take up NDT test of the Sada Sub Jail structure before taking up any repair work of the building. We have already prepared the estimates and the same was also submitted to the government for approval some four months ago. Once we get the approval then we would appoint an agency to conduct NDT test on the building,” informed Assistant Engineer PWD (buildings section) A D Nagarachi.
Unhappy with the inordinate delay in executing the important work, Mormugao MLA Milind Naik said, “I am surprised to note that even after a year, PWD is yet to start the repair work of Sada jail building. If they take so much time for carrying out work costing Rs 5 lakh then what more can we expect from the department on other government projects. It only shows that PWD is least bothered and is not interested in doing its job efficiently. I will raise the issue before Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar for speedy completion of the jail works so that inmates can be shifted back to Sada Sub jail from Colvale”.
Meanwhile, when Contacted Deputy Collector Mormugao Mahadev Arundekar who is also Superintendent of Sada Sub Jail, said, “We have already asked the PWD to conduct NDT test on the building to verify whether the structure has to be repaired or whether the same has to be demolished and a new building has to be constructed. We are waiting for their recommendations. After the completion of repairs/renovation works or new building works, the inmates will be shifted back to Sada from Colvale,” he informed.
