Goa Housing Board Chairman, MLA Jit Arolkar unveils the foundation stone for the construction of 130 flats at Ambaji-Fatorda in the presence of Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai.
Photo Credits: Santosh Mirajkar
MARGAO
Saying that housing facilities offered by the Goa Housing Board are tailor-made for Goans, Chairman of Goa Housing Board, Jit Arolkar, on Wednesday said that housing flats and apartments will be allotted only to those Goans who have proof of 30 years’ residence in the State.
He further said the 130-flat housing project at Ambaji-Fatorda, launched by the Goa Housing Board on Wednesday in the presence of Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, will provide 30 per cent reservation for the residents of Fatorda.
Speaking to the media after launching the housing project at Ambaji, Arolkar said the Goa Housing Board is committed to planning housing facilities for the people of Goa. “Outsiders are coming to Goa to buy land and build houses. This has put Goans in a tight situation. Our attempt is to offer housing facilities for Goans at reasonable rates,” he said.
He added, “In the instant Fatorda project, out of the 130 flats up for grabs, 31 consist of 3BHK and 99 are 2BHK. Of the total flats, 30 per cent will be reserved exclusively for the residents of Fatorda. As for the remaining flats, they will be allotted to those who have proof of 30 years’ residence in the state,” he said.
To a question, Arolkar said the GHB norms bar any occupant of a flat from disposing of the flat within 10 years. “We cannot forever maintain vigilance on the apartments after 10 years. The occupants may also face some financial issues. Hence, the occupiers can dispose of the flats after 10 years,” he said.
Saying that the GHB has handed over land admeasuring 3000 square metres to the Margao Municipal Council at the project site, Arolkar said the GHB is ready to develop the area in question for the benefit of the local residents.
He also assured Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai that the GHB will take up with the government the issue of laying a sewerage line from Ambaji to the district hospital at the earliest.
In his address, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai said the housing board project will usher in a new era in Housing Board developments that would assimilate the nature and character of the locality, and not destroy them. “Though long overdue, I’m happy that it’s finally taking shape, and Goemkars can look forward to some modern, contemporary residences,” he said.
Sardesai said he has been assured by the government that the development of the open space area opposite, and the replacement of the older sewerage line, will be undertaken and all support will be extended. “Fatorda’s progress, I can assure Fatordekars, will always be in step with newness and modernity,” he added.
