Margao MLA Draws Opposition Criticism for Restaurant in Parking Facility

MARGAO: During an inspection of the waste treatment plant and substation site in Sonsoddo on Saturday, opposition council members voiced their disapproval of Margao MLA Digambar Kamat and the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) for their plans to include a restaurant atop the forthcoming pay-parking facility.

They also criticized the MLA for shifting all garbage-related problems to wards located outside Margao’s purview and for his inability to resolve the Sonsoddo issue, despite his involvement in several ‘unsuccessful’ projects at the waste treatment facility and the historical dump site. During the inspection, which saw the presence of Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai and Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, they assessed the recent initiatives implemented at Sonsoddo and discussed potential land-related issues related to the substation.

Following that, Sardesai, accompanied by a delegation of Fatorda councillors, including former Chairperson Lyndon Pereira, raised inquiries about the beneficiaries of establishing a restaurant above the pay-parking facility. They demanded transparency in identifying the individuals responsible for initiating and removing this proposal.

Sardesai alleged that Kamat was exacerbating the deteriorating infrastructure of Margao, which he contended was already in a state of disrepair, to serve commercial interests rather than the town’s welfare.

The MLA emphasized the need to contest Kamat’s prolonged tenure as Margao MLA, highlighting that having a restaurant atop the pay-parking facility would further strain parking demands, as restaurant patrons would occupy spaces within the facility, potentially depriving ordinary citizens of essential parking spots.

He also noted that at a moment when the parking project could have played a role in reducing traffic congestion in the town, this recent development would undermine that objective. On Friday, MMC council members had criticized the decision, asserting that they had not been informed about the restaurant proposal.

About Seema Vishwas

An anchor with CNBC TV18 for almost 4 years. Also co-anchors prime-time market shows like Power Breakfast, Traders only, Markets Mid-day and NSE Closing Bell.

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