PANJIM: Following the collapse of an old dilapidated building at St Inez recently, frightened residents have demanded that another similar structure be demolished in public interest as soon as possible.
The residents say that the building was constructed around 15 years back in spite of them registering their protests against it. The recent collapse of an old structure has ignited fresh fear in their minds that the second building too may cavee in if it is not demolished on time.
Speaking to O Heraldo, Rajendra Dhamaskar, a resident of the area, said, “The government should demolish this building the way it demolished two others which were in dilapidated condition. We should be given protection as we have nowhere to go. This building was constructed around 15 years ago without taking cognisance of objections of the residents in the area. The North Goa District Collectorate had already termed the building as unsafe and we have met the CCP officials several times but nothing has been done.”
Ulhas Bhaje, another resident, said, “The building may collapse any moment as the pillars are very weak and the foundation is not strong either. There is Kamat Plaza residential complex, just behind it. The authorities should probe as to who gave
permissions to construct this building without after conducting soil testing.”
However, Panjim MLA Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate said the building was weak and the Corporation of the City of Panjim (CCP) was aware of it.
“The CCP has taken necessary action and we are identifying all the buildings which are weak and on the verge of collapse. We will see that the CCP writes to the Collectorate to declare the building unsafe. Like a survey of trees was conducted, similarly we will ask either the Public Works Department (PWD) or Goa Engineering College (GEC) to carry out a structural audit of old buildings which may collapse. We will ask for their feasibility report,” he said.
Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) Rohit Monserrate said, “There was a stability report for the building which has been demolished recently saying that it was weak but there is no such report in case of the other. We will have to get that report and follow the formalities and procedures. We cannot demolish any building without having the report.”
