TEAM HERALD
PORVORIM: The last date earlier declared for completion of infrastructure for Lusofonia Games was November 15, as informed by the Games CEO Keshav Chandra at a press conference, a fortnight back, the reason being rains, which caused the delay in completion of stadia work.
This time Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, though the rains have stopped almost a fortnight back, informed that all work of the indoor stadium, synthetic track and other facilities, at Peddem would be completed by December 7, before the arrival of the Chef the Missions of ACOLOP.
Parrikar was on his inspection rounds to check the progress of work at Peddem ground along with Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza and Aldona MLA Glen Ticlo and Chairperson of Mapusa Municipal Council Sandeep Falari.
Lusofonia Games are expected to be held in Goa in the month of January 2014 and the ACOLOP Coordination Committee will be visiting Goa between December 8 and 10 to inspect the sports infrastructure at Mapusa, Margao, Vasco and Bambolim.
Parrikar further stated that the State government has allocated an amount of Rs 240 crore for the upgradation of sports facilities required for the Lusofonia Games out of which Rs 60 crore alone has been earmarked for the development of synthetic track, renovation of swimming pool and badminton court, running track and the air-conditioned indoor stadium at Peddem ground.
About 90 per cent of the work is complete and the remaining will be completed soon, the chief minister informed.
In the long run, the sports infrastructure at Peddem would help to organise football, hockey and cricket tournaments besides athletics.
The sports lovers from Mapusa and surrounding areas will benefit a lot from these facilities, Parrikar disclosed.
