Team Herald
PANJIM: Following an inspection held at St Lawrence Church, Sinquerim to assess the damage that was caused by the recent lighting strike on its tower, it has been decided to approach the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) before they carry out major structural restoration work.
Besides the Parish Priest Agnelo Fernandes, the fabrica committee, the dean, parishioners, local Sarpanch and panch members and Calangute MLA Michael Lobo were part of the inspection.
The Church, which is in consultation with the Bishop’s House, has carried out minor repair work and they have discovered that there have been cracks on the ceiling of the church and that the prayer room, CCTV camera and some other parts have been damaged.
Lobo feared that the cracks could lead to water seepage in the church and said ASI should recommend the contractor given that they need to restore some parts that were built during the Portuguese era.
He also suggested that a lightning conductor be mounted atop of the tower to prevent future such damage by lightning strikes, given the church has been hit by lightning before.
The MLA also drew attention to the precarious condition of the retaining wall, which is in need of urgent repairs. Pointing out that the St Xavier’s Retreat Baga had similar issues with its retaining wall, strengthening of the wall is a necessity, said Lobo.
A letter is being sent by the Church through the panchayat to the Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, seeking Disaster Management Funds (DMA), which Lobo said he is confident that the government will give in view of the scale of the work that is needed to be done to protect the iconic church.
The Church’s fabrica members too said experienced archaeological engineers and mason workers are needed to carry out the major repair works.
