NT Reporter
Sankhali
Five to six roofing sheets of the Bicholim Municipal Market were blown away by strong winds on Monday.
Bicholim MLA Dr Chandrakant Shetye on Monday directed the officials concerned to complete the necessary repair
work within the next two to three days.
One of the sheets became entangled in an overhead power line before falling to the ground a short while later. It struck the leg of a shopkeeper standing in front of his shop, leaving him with minor injuries. Fortunately, a major accident was averted.
Shetye said he had instructed municipal officials nearly four months ago to undertake repairs to the market roof.
“The damaged roof and waterlogging inside the market have inconvenienced vegetable and fruit vendors, who have also faced financial losses due to this. Customers are also facing difficulties,” he said.
Shetye directed municipal administrator Akshay Potekar and other officials to ensure proper maintenance of the market premises.
He also brought the damaged and uneven concrete slabs at several places in the market to notice, warning that they pose a serious risk of accidents if not repaired immediately.
Officials said approximately Rs 1 crore has been sanctioned through the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) for the renovation of the municipal market and added that the tendering process is already underway.
Shetye said that all deficiencies in the market infrastructure would be addressed and stated that
he would personally follow up to ensure the renovation work is completed at
the earliest.
During the inspection, attention was also drawn to the old canopy attached to the market building, which is in a highly dilapidated condition. Around seven to 10 shops are currently operating beneath the structure. Concerns have been raised that the deteriorated slab could collapse at any time, potentially leading to a major tragedy.
Shetye instructed the authorities to take immediate corrective measures.
