Goemkarponn desk
VASCO: With several municipal-owned buildings in dilapidated condition and posing a threat to the public in Vasco City, plans are afoot to redevelop these buildings using the PPP model.
Speaking to The Goan, Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar said he had discussed the matter with Urban Development Minister Vishwajit Rane to redevelop MMC buildings under PPP model and had got an assurance from him.
“We have already placed the proposal before the government and works will be taken in this direction. We are already taking up multiple projects on priority in Vasco like the fish market, sports complex, etc. and these projects are underway,” said Salkar.
“After that, we will start to develop MMC buildings under the PPP model. We have identified many MMC buildings like the Kossambe Building, Mukund Building, Borges Building, etc. which will be demolished and redeveloped under the PPP model so that people get their rights and MMC benefits in terms of revenue from the extra FAR for the area.”
COMPLEX ISSUE
Nazir Khan, a well-known builder and redeveloper from Vasco, has claimed that while the government can take up redevelopment of its buildings, redevelopment of unsafe private buildings is a complex issue.
“The government can take up redevelopment of its buildings on its own, if required, through a tender, especially for their staff accommodation quarters which are in a dilapidated condition,” said Khan.
“However, no builder would be willing to demolish and redevelop a private building and also offer the same area to shops and flat owners.”
Khan admitted that a tragedy is waiting to happen when it comes to unsafe buildings in Vasco, especially with many shops and establishments operating in some buildings.
“The MMC must look forward to a settlement scheme for shopkeepers and residents who have invested a lot of money to buy flats and shops. No one should be at a loss but at the same time we cannot afford to take the risk of operating from buildings that can collapse any day,” said Khan.
“Though we sympathise with residents and shop owners of unsafe buildings, a builder also has his costs to take care of while redeveloping a property and may be unable to offer the best deal to owners, especially since many people want the same area for flats and shops in the newly redeveloped building without paying extra,” he said.
