Litigation may delay Ponda market complex completion

PONDA: The 27-crore market project for Ponda is scheduled to be ready within six months, however, a litigation could result in the delay of its completion.
Ponda municipal council (PMC) chairperson Kishore Naik informed TOI that the PMC is in the midst of a legal battle with one of the shop owners. "The project is almost ready and could be commissioned for use within six months.However, the completion of work may be delayed due to the litigation," the Ponda civic chief said.
Naik further outlined other developmental works undertaken by the civic body, totalling a cost of around 50 crore.
The PMC is planning to erect steel railings along the footpaths of Ponda's streets in order to prevent pedestrians from walking on the roads. Decorative street lamps are also among the plans for this project, which will cost the municipality 2.5 crore.
The PMC has recently demolished two of its old buildings to make space for a new multi-storied building, which will host several offices. A municipal building that houses the municipal library, a hall and some shops has been lying in a dilapidated condition and the civic body has decided to demolish it and construct a new one. During the demolition and reconstruction of the building, PMC officials said that the rehabilitation of the occupants will be taken care of. "The century-old building that presently houses the municipality will also be demolished and a new building will be constructed on the site. The project will cost 5 crore," Naik said.