Goemkarponn desk
PORVORIM: The Goa Legislative Assembly on Tuesday witnessed a heated debate over the issue of substandard renovation works of Kala Academy while demanding a House committee be formed.
Opposition MLA Vijai Sardesai demanded the House Committee on Kala Academy works. He said that water has started leaking from the first year onwards. When this happens, the contractor should have been questioned.
“It looks like PWD is not ready to admit the defect. Charles Correa Foundation has given a presentation in which they have claimed that the work is defective,” said Vijai.
CM Sawant replied that Kala Academy’s minor issues have been fixed and the next five years will see the consultant maintain it.
“A report on structural stability has been obtained from IIT Mumbai. Regarding accessibility, the adjustments are performed in accordance with the Charles Correa Foundation’s recommendation. Water was present in the first three rows because Kala Academy was 150 meters below sea level,” said Sawant.
The CM also said that since the flooding has ceased, we are able to hold programs during the rainy season.
“The consultant at the time was Chirag Jain, and IIT Hyderabad was later consulted. The exterior stage that collapsed had a deteriorated structure. The outside stage had not received any work from the current contractor,” he added.
CM also said that he has told his secretary and others that if any suggestions are made by artists and the Charles Correa Foundation as far as acoustic they should be adhered to. ‘I will form the committee of genuine artists and their suggestions will be considered,” he informed.
“Suggestions regarding Kala Academy will be considered and forwarded to the technical team. Necessary changes will be made, taking into account the needs of artists,” he added.
AAP MLA Venzy Viegas demanded FIR against the substandard work of Kala Academy by the contractor due to which handing over of the structure is not happening. However, the CM ruled out the suggestion of the AAP MLA.
