Team Goemkarponn
MORMUGAO: The newly renovated Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) building was inaugurated on Tuesday evening by Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho in the presence of Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar, MMC Chairperson Girish Borker, municipal councillors, and other dignitaries. The building, nearly a century old, has been restored to its former glory after a major renovation project.
Speaking to the media, Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho highlighted Vasco’s transformation over the years. “Vasco da Gama was once the best-planned city, but over time, it lost its charm. However, in the last five years, things have started changing. The Government has invested significantly in renovating this historic MMC building, bringing it back to its old glory. This is just one example of the visible development undertaken by the BJP Government. Several other projects are also taking shape in Vasco, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar,” said Godinho.
He also assured that the Vasco bus stand project would be taken up soon. “Planning, execution, and finances for such projects are not easy and take time, but development in Vasco and Mormugao Taluka has been evident in the last two years. These improvements are proof of the great work done by the BJP Government in Goa.”
Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar emphasized the historical significance of the MMC building and the necessity of its renovation. “This building is almost 100 years old, and its renovation was the need of the hour. We received immense support from CM Dr. Pramod Sawant and Urban Development Minister Vishwajeet Rane. Though the initial cost was Rs 10 crore, it later escalated to Rs 15 crore, but the Government continued to back the project. Today, we have a neat and clean building that restores the pride of Vasco,” said Salkar.
He further added, “This building has seen many chairpersons and councillors, some of whom went on to become MLAs, including myself. The people of Mormugao Taluka have a deep emotional connection with this building. Soon, the Deputy Collector’s office and other government offices will shift back here, offering convenience to citizens by bringing multiple departments under one roof.”
MMC Chairperson Girish Borker expressed his delight at inaugurating the renovated building during his tenure. “This is a historic moment for all of us. The building has been renovated after nearly 100 years—it’s like the Maha Kumbh, which happens once in 144 years. Such monumental developments are only possible under the BJP Government, which works for the betterment of the people,” said Borker.
Former MMC Chairperson Nandadeep Raut also shared his pride in seeing the project come to completion. “When I was the Chairperson, I diverted funds to GSUDA for this project, and I faced severe criticism for it. Many of the councillors inaugurating the building today were initially opposing my move, but now they understand and appreciate the vision. Initially, 13 councillors supported my decision, but later, all councillors backed it. Today, this stands as the stepping stone for the project, and I am grateful to see it completed,” said Raut.
He concluded by saying, “Criticism is inevitable when undertaking big projects, but I am proud of the decision I made. Transferring Rs 21 crore to GSUDA for three key projects was a bold step, and today, we can see its positive impact.”
