Margao: Restoration of the heritage South Goa comunidade building, a landmark in the heart of Margao, has finally begun more than a decade after concerns were first raised over its deteriorating condition. The project is being undertaken at an estimated cost of Rs 3 crore.PWD minister Digambar Kamat said the restoration is expected to be completed by Dec. He said the project aims to preserve the building’s architectural heritage while giving it a fresh lease of life, ensuring it is conserved for future generations.Known as the Administracao dos Comunidades de Salcete, the building once housed several govt offices, including that of the administrator of comunidades, South Zone. However, the offices were relocated after the structure was declared unsafe due to leaking roofs, damp walls, and deteriorating timber flooring.For years, the heritage building had fallen into disrepair. During the monsoon, offices were routinely flooded with ankle-deep water, electrical wires hung precariously from the ceilings, and poor lighting left employees working in near-dark conditions. Despite repeated appeals for repairs, maintenance was delayed, with officials citing a lack of funds. Water seepage also threatened several old records and official files stored inside the building.The office of the administrator of comunidades, South, was eventually shifted to the old collectorate building, leaving the heritage structure vacant.An earlier attempt to restore the building, initiated during the tenure of former PWD minister Nilesh Cabral about three years ago, failed to materialise after the tender received a poor response from contractors. The project remained stalled until work finally commenced.
