SANGUEM: The villagers of Valkini Colony No. 2, at Sanguem, have complained about the dilapidated condition of the market complex owned by Water Resources Department, which was constructed in the village around 40 years back.
With no maintenance being carried over the years, the building is on the verge of collapse and necessitates immediate repairs, informed former panchayat member Agostinho Fernandes.
The poles are corroded and the slabs have developed cracks all around. But despite complaints to the WRD and issue being highlighted on several occasions, the department has failed to initiate due and necessary action, complained Fernandes.
Manoj Paryekar, also a former panchayat member echoed similar feelings. Paryekar informed that the Complex was constructed at the time of displacement of the Selaulim Evacuess in year 1980’s and since then the complex stands without being undertaken primary repairs.
Paryekar informed that the Complex houses a library, society and electricity department office and is frequented by the villagers on a daily basis.
“Moreover, during morning and late evening hours, villagers, particularly the elders, visit the library to read the newspapers and periodicals. The building is in a dilapidated state and a major tragedy could strike in case the structure collapses. We have appealed the authorities to get the building renovated at the earliest,” Paryekar said.
Fernandes informed that the authorities are taking the issue lightly and seem to be waiting for the worst to happen. He feared that if no steps are taken on emergency basis, the complex slab may collapse in the coming monsoon.
