http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=013131
Govt asks SGPDA to submit report on unoccupied shops NT News Service Margao Jan 30: The Urban Development Minister, Mr Joaquim Alemao today instructed the South Goa Planning and Development Authority to ascertain why a number of shops were lying vacant in the SGPDA market complex despite allotment. Mr Alemao visited the SGPDA market complex after vegetable vendors protested in front of his Varca residence over reported plans of constructing a new vegetable market near the wholesale fish market on Saturday. The Minister observed that while the shops remained unoccupied, those who were actually allotted the shops were reportedly selling their wares elsewhere. "Serve them notices and if they do not comply, re-tender the stalls," Mr Alemao said while directing the concerned officials to initiate action within a period of eight days. The SGPDA chairman, Mr Shantaram Kadam and the Margao Municipal Council chief officer, Mr Melwyn Vaz were also present. The Urban Development Minister further observed that there was no proper order being maintained in the fish market and vendors were occupying the passage instead of the sheds. "All the vendors have to stay within the constructed sheds and not sell their produce outside," he said. Mr Alemao assured the vendors that no new vegetable market would be constructed in Margao. It was also decided that no retail vendors would be permitted to operate from the wholesale market complex. Mr Shantaram Kadam agreed to prepare a list of vendors who have been allotted shops at the SGPDA complex at the earliest and carry out necessary action, if required. He also agreed to pay Rs 8.5 lakh to the MMC towards garbage clearance, which had been stopped after the SGPDA failed to make the required payments in the past. Also vendors requested the Minister to intervene and ensure that some power and water connections that had been disconnected be restored. The vendors collectively decided to pay Rs 50,000 to the SGPDA towards the same. Mr Alemao clarified that he had no intention of disturbing the business of local vendors. The Minister promised to re-visit the SGPDA market complex after 10 days to ensure that everything is in order. -- Salaam ali kum. Gabe Menezes. London, England
