MARGAO: The lack of timely maintenance at the government-owned Junta Quarters in Pajifond-Margao has created dangerous living conditions, putting the lives of many occupants at risk. As a result, numerous residents have started relocating to ensure the safety of their families.
It has been observed that the deteriorating condition of several ‘B’ and ‘C’ type buildings continues to pose significant risks to the occupants.
However, according to Public Works Department sources, they are currently awaiting government approval to commence major maintenance work. Estimates and tenders for the necessary repairs have already been prepared and circulated.
Several occupants have reported that pieces of roof slabs have crumbled down. Currently, the occupants of the ‘B’ type quarters are the worst affected due to the lack of maintenance. The conditions in the ‘C’ type quarters are too similar.
The occupants are facing persistent water seepage on the staircases which has exposed the steel which has been damaged by rainwater. Despite these pressing issues, the Public Works Department is yet to prioritise the maintenance work.
“We are paying thousands of rupees as rent to PWD, but no maintenance work has been done,” complained an occupant.
The occupants said that if the government is unable to carry out proper maintenance, they should provide the quarters free of cost.
“In the past, incidents of short-circuit and slab pieces crashing have been reported. The pathetic conditions of these quarters are purely due to negligence in maintenance by the department," they alleged.
Speaking to O Heraldo, Raju Naik, councillor, said that all the buildings in the Junta Quarters are in deplorable condition. He warned that a major tragedy seems imminent if immediate attention is not given to the repairs and renovation of these decades-old government buildings.
“I have brought the pathetic conditions of the buildings to the department’s notice on several occasions, but it seems no one is taking the issue seriously,” he said.
Responding to the issues raised by the occupants and the local councillor, the PWD officials said that the office has already prepared the estimate and floated the tender for major maintenance works. However, they are currently awaiting government approval on the expenditure.
“All minor works are being carried out regularly based on the complaints received from the occupants. There are nearly six major tenders ready for issuance, and work orders will be issued as soon as we receive government approval,” the officials said.