Margao: A Public Works Department (PWD) inspection of Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, has found dampness and damage to the false ceiling in the Pai Tiatrist Auditorium and Black Box. This has further delayed the reopening of the facilities, with all necessary repairs now expected to take another two to three months to complete.
Chairman of Ravindra Bhavan Rajendra Talak said they have been advised not to open the auditorium that was closed on May 19 due to water leakage issues.
“We had promised to complete the work of the roof sheets, which was done, and after that, we asked the PWD to inspect and advise us on whether we can go ahead with the opening,” said Talak, adding that they have been told not to use the auditorium and black box till the false ceiling is replaced at both places. “This decision has been taken in the interest of public safety.”
He said that the work can take anywhere between two to three months, or longer.
With the roofing work completed, Talak said that the current focus is on expediting the work highlighted by the PWD.
“We plan on supervising the work on a day-to-day basis and seeing to speed up the work as best we can. It was beyond our control. We will be meeting with the tiatrists, the PWD, and others periodically. Work on the annex building is also being taken up,” he said.
Anthony Barbosa, president of Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG), said it was important to undertake the repair works to ensure seamless facilities, including sound, theatre, and other amenities, for both artists and the public.
Former member of ESG Vishal Pai Cacode said, “Finally, the chairman of Ravindra Bhavan, Margao Rajendra Talak vindicates my stand. Crores spent on roof repairs over the last 5 years have literally gone down the drain. Now the big question is which cutting-edge technology allows roof repairs during heavy rains?” said Cacode.
