PANAJI
The massive, under-construction government building at Patto opposite the Paryatan Bhavan on the eastern bank of Rua de Ourem creek is being leased to a private hotel group which will complete the building and subsequently operate the mini-convention centre there.
The Chief Minister Pramod Sawant-led cabinet on Thursday gave its approval to this proposal to lease this half-complete project to a private, luxury hotel group.
The project launched during the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic was touted to be the "tallest building in Goa" and was estimated to cost Rs 90-crore to build. The original plans envisaged a Mini Convention Centre with a 1300 capacity, an exhibition hall capable of hosting 1500 people and boardrooms.
The project was part of the government's objective to promote MICE Tourism. Sawant, who briefly mentioned the decision during his customary post-cabinet briefing, did not elaborate on the details, including the financial implications of the deal. He also did not reveal the identity of the private hotel group which will take over the project on a 'lease' basis.
