Upset with utter neglect, stakeholders start restoring Central Comunidade’s Archive room

Panjim: Central Zone Communidade stakeholders came together and started cleaning the Archives room under the supervision of administrative office staff.

A team from the Association of Components of Comunidades represented by Venzy Viegas President of Carambolim communidade, Xavier Almeida Attorney Taleigao Comunidade and José Carmino João, Treasurer of Comunidade Morombim o Pequeno, Mercês, saw to it that the cleaning of the Archives room began, which included clearing all the debris/mud accumulated in the room.

“It’s a waste of time writing to the authorities to make them realise the importance of these valuable documents, and so we have got down on ground and will restore the archives. The place is in a terrible state and this unmaintained building is a resemblance to show the true intent of the government to preserve heritage,” said Venzy. 

The other team members said they had met earlier at the Comunidade Hall, Panjim to request the Administrator-in-Charge, Ulhas Kadam to have a joint inspection.  During the inspection, they pointed to the leakages to the roof, walls and wooden flooring and raised concerns that the damaged structures could fall at any time. They also saw broken furniture, electoral fittings and more importantly office cupboards, which contain important centuries-old archival documents of the comunidade bodies of the Central zone. 

 “The Archives where centuries old documents of comunidade bodies are stored on the ground floor are dilapidated and facing decay due to negligence,” said José, while adding that the place was in need of urgent attention. 

They added that the authorities wanted to condone their mistake and suggested that comunidade bodies contribute for restoration and maintenance of archival documents.

“But we told them that revenue comunidade bodies already contribute to the exchequer every year Derrama (income) of 33% and each comunidade has contributed since past several decades but Archives room and building has not been maintained, “ one of the team members added.  

The team said that the officer agreed to their findings and assured that he will put up a report to competent authority.

They added that they engaged some labourers, carpenters and electricians for the repair work, of which only round one has been completed.