NT Reporter
Pernem
A day after a portion of a slab at the Women and Child Development office at Pernem collapsed, injuring a staff member, locals on Tuesday demanded immediate repairs to the Pernem government complex. They threatened to protest if the offices are not shifted to a safer location within the next eight days.
The complex houses several government offices, including those of the Deputy Collector, Mamlatdar, Women and Child department, Labour and Employment office, Block Development Office, Government treasury, Pernem fire station etc.
Locals said the existing complex is in poor condition and on the verge of collapse, posing a serious threat to employees working in the building as well as members of the public visiting these
offices.
Narayan Redkar, a local resident, said, “This incident should serve as a warning to the government to prevent such mishaps in the future. These buildings accommodate multiple offices that are frequently visited by the public. We urge the authorities not to wait for a tragic loss of life before initiating repairs.”
Another local, Prashant Naik, said the building is over 40 years old and requires urgent attention. He said portions of the roof have peeled off, while the concrete and steel reinforcements are corroded.
