Kunbi project set to finish in 3 months: Subhash Phal Dessai

Margao: Sanguem MLA and minister Subhash Phal Dessai on Friday assured that the Kunbi handloom crafts village being developed near the Selaulim dam in Sanguem will be completed within three months. Work on the project was at a complete standstill for the last few weeks due to unpaid contractor bills and a resultant funds crunch.

"The contractor had exhausted all his financial resources, as some of his bills had not been cleared. I have spoken to the chief minister, who has assured that the necessary funds will be provided to complete the project. Once funds are made available, the project should be completed within three months," Phal Dessai said.

The minister said that he has been reviewing its progress every 15 days. He also added that 90% of the work — including all civil works, compound walls and roads — is completed. What remains is the internal finishing touches such as painting and other decorative elements.

The Kunbi handloom crafts village project aims to set up permanent infrastructure and marketing facilities for artisans and handloom weavers of the Gawda, Kunbi and Velip communities, enabling them to sell their products throughout the year.

It also envisages eco-tourism facilities and employment generation for the local population in the form of guides, artisans, homestay operators and other such opportunities.

Implemented by the Goa handicrafts, rural and small scale industries development corporation (GHRSSIDC) under the National handicrafts development programme (NHDP), the project has been developed at a cost of Rs 12.7 crore. Of this, the Union ministry of textiles has committed Rs 10 crore — out of which Rs 5 crore has been released so far. State govt has sanctioned and released its share of Rs 2.7 crore. Work for the project officially commenced on May 20, 2024.

Sources associated with the project said that its costs shot up soon after chief minister Pramod Sawant suggested a few additions and modifications during his last visit to the site.

As a result, this added further strain on the already- stretched project, and the work is still in progress and it is yet to be fully completed.
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