Daijiworld Media Network - Mapusa

Mapusa, Mar 11: A portion of the false ceiling at the electricity department office in Mapusa, Goa, collapsed recently, raising safety concerns among staff working in the ageing building.

The incident came to light on Monday, though it is believed the ceiling portion collapsed either on Saturday or Sunday when the office was closed. As a result, no staff members were injured.

However, a computer printer kept in the office was damaged when the false ceiling fell.

Officials said the building is around 40 years old and has weakened over time. There have been several incidents in recent years where small portions of concrete have collapsed, causing concern among employees working in the premises.

Confirming the incident, Executive Engineer Subhash Parsekar said the department has been trying to vacate the building for the past six months due to safety issues.

“We have been trying to vacate this building for the last six months. We are looking for a place. Two places are being considered – one is the BSNL building and the other is the new building of the municipal council. The process is ongoing at both places. BSNL has quoted 250 per cent more rent,” Parsekar said.

He added that the electricity department is also constructing its own three-storey office building on its land at the Housing Board area.

“The new building will have all facilities and parking arrangements for more than 140 cars. The work is expected to be completed in the next two to three years. Until then, we are searching for an alternative site,” he said.