CALANGUTE: The Director of Xavier Retreat House, Baga, Fr Ronnie D’Souza has appealed to politicians, especially those representing coastal constituencies, not to politicize the hill cutting issue in the Jesuit’s Baga property, but help in saving the retreat house by restoring the retaining walls that were protecting the historical centre.
In a press release, he said, “I appeal to all the politicians and others that whatever may be their political or any other differences, please do not hinder or delay the repair work on the sea side protection wall which has been abandoned by the Water Resources Department and it may be reconstructed urgently.”
“It is very sad to read that the Calangute MLA Michael Lobo has been needlessly targeted out of frustration by other politicians as the MLA has made all possible efforts to stop the illegal hill cutting and restoration of the retaining wall with the help of well wishers, following our request to intervene” reads the press note.
Fr D’Souza, fearing damage to the historical centre due to approaching monsoon, has appealed to the authorities to re-start the construction work on the retaining wall as per the work order for ‘anti sea erosion measures at Baga.’
The Director of Xavier Retreat House and others live in fear during high velocity cyclonic winds followed by heavy rains which hit Goa recently. Luckily for the Church authorities, the retaining wall in the hill cutting areas was underway, which helped save the Retreat House. The sea side protecting wall however lies exposed due to removal of rocks and sand extraction by the WRD engaged labourers and the works needs to be carried out immediately to avoid a tragedy during rains, he said.
