Daijiworld Media Network – Vasco

Vasco, Jul 20: The Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) held a special meeting on Tuesday to advance its plans for a new market pavilion at the site of the old vegetable market in Vasco.

MMC Chairperson Girish Borker stated that Pavilion 1 and 2 structures had deteriorated and become unsafe, necessitating demolition. Vendors occupying the site under the daily Sopo system—offering no permanent rights—have been served notices to vacate. Many, however, have requested alternative arrangements, which the council is unable to provide due to space constraints.

Borker added that vendors have accumulated over Rs 70 lac in dues. The council plans to complete the new complex within six months and aims for a December opening, provided the site is vacated promptly. A meeting with vendors has been scheduled for Thursday to resolve pending dues before the new facility is handed over.

Councillor Deepak Naik clarified that long-standing occupation under the Sopo system does not entitle vendors to shops in the new structure, though the council is exploring ways to support them during the transition.

The meeting also touched on relocating government offices back to the MMC building. However, the decision was deferred as space availability and pending dues from these offices need to be assessed. Naik noted that some former office spaces are now being used by MMC departments, including the newly launched Urban Livelihood Centre by the Women and Child Welfare Department.

In preparation for the upcoming Vasco Saptah festival, the council reviewed logistics and sanitation needs. Given the expected crowd surge and temporary stalls, Borker said 20 mobile toilet units had been planned, but MLA Krishna Salkar recommended increasing the count to at least 50. The MMC has approached Goa Shipyard Ltd, JSW, and local builders for assistance in meeting these requirements and ensuring smooth festival arrangements.