Sports Minister petitioned on hutments near Santa Cruz ground

Ex-MLA wants immediate action

MERCES, APRIL 9
Opposing the setting up of hutments near Santa Cruz village school playground, ex-MLA Victor Gonsalves shot off a letter to Sports Minister Babu Azgaonkar demanding that action should be immediately taken in the matter and the hutments dismantled at the earliest.
Speaking to the press, Victor informed that earlier, in the last week of March, he had complained to the Director of Sports and Youth Affairs over the issue and had demanded strict action in the matter.
“However, it is almost two weeks now and since no action was forthcoming, I led a delegation to the Sports Minister and demanded that action be taken against the persons who have allowed the hutments to come up at the place,” he said and added that the delegation included besides himself, St Cruz ZP member Suresh Palkar, Confraria President Mariano Araujo and Fortunato Braganza. He also informed that one of the rooms of the playground is being used by the labourers to cook and eat, and questioned how the labourers are in possession of the keys of the room.
Victor further stated that if still no action is taken, he will mobilize the villagers and hold a public meeting at the place to decide on future course of action.
Upon inquiries with the labourers, it came to light that there are two sets of labourers who are working under two separate contractors. These labourers work on various development projects being undertaken in the village during the day and return in the night to take shelter in the huts. One of the labourers also informed that they have been permitted to use the space by Rudolf Fernandes, son of local MLA Victoria Fernandes.
When contacted, Rudolf, however said that he has not permitted the contractors or the labourers the use the space, and added that they might have taken his name out of fear of being attacked by the villagers.
Rudolf further informed that the labourers are temporarily staying at the place and once the development projects in the village, which amount to around Rs 3.80 crore, are over they would leave the place. He also said that at the same place, where the hutments have been set up, an indoor stadium, gymnasium and a club for senior citizens would be built for the benefit of the villagers.