Urban local bodies in Goa struggle to conduct structural audits of dilapidated buildings due to a lack of resources, technical expertise, and jurisdictional authority over private properties. Municipal councils identify unsafe buildings and issue notices for demolition or repair but rely on the Goa College of Engineering for government building audits. The Corporation of the City of Panaji has conducted five audits, while other councils face similar challenges. Addressing these issues requires increased funding, technical support, and collaboration among stakeholders to enhance building safety standards and ensure the integrity of structures across Goa.
In Goa, most urban local bodies have reported an inability to conduct structural audits of dilapidated buildings within their jurisdictions due to a lack of resources. The Bicholim, Canacona, Cuncolim, Curchorem, Margao, Quepem, Sankhali, and Valpoi municipal councils conveyed through the urban development department that the significant expenditure and need for technical expertise and scientific tools hinder their capacity to perform these audits. This response was given in reply to a query about old and unsafe buildings by Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar.
The councils mentioned that they do not possess "absolute rights" to perform structural audits on private buildings. However, if a case is brought to their attention, they direct the private individual to conduct the structural audit. In cases involving government buildings, they request the Goa College of Engineering (GCE) to carry out the audit.
Most municipalities indicated that they identify dilapidated buildings and issue notices to the owners, instructing them to demolish, secure, or repair the structures. The Corporation of the City of Panaji reported having conducted structural audits of five buildings to date. The Sanguem Municipal Council identified its town hall building as unsafe and dilapidated, with a GCE audit report stating that the building is beyond strengthening or restoration as the main load transfer system has deteriorated. A demolition agency has been appointed, and notices were sent to the occupants to vacate the premises.
The Ponda Municipal Council identified a private building, Farooqui Mansion at Kaziwada, as structurally unfit and issued an eviction notice to the occupants. The Pernem Municipal Council mentioned that they send requisitions to the Public Works Department (PWD) buildings section to perform structural audits whenever an unsafe structure is identified.
The Mormugao Municipal Council acknowledged that they do not conduct structural audits themselves but have issued notices under the Municipalities Act, 1968, and in 2018 wrote to the GCE to examine the condition of its building. The Mapusa Municipal Council stated that they have yet to conduct any structural audits of buildings within their jurisdiction, as most structures are private properties and some are government properties.
The situation highlights the significant challenges faced by urban local bodies in Goa regarding the maintenance and safety of buildings. The councils are hampered by the lack of resources, technical expertise, and clear jurisdictional authority over private properties. This creates a gap in ensuring the safety and integrity of many buildings, posing potential risks to residents.
Efforts to address these challenges are ongoing, but the limited capacity of local bodies necessitates a collaborative approach involving private owners, government institutions, and technical experts. Increased funding, technical support, and clearer regulations could help bridge this gap, enabling more comprehensive and effective structural audits and maintenance practices.
In conclusion, the structural audit challenges faced by urban local bodies in Goa reflect broader issues of resource allocation and regulatory authority. Addressing these issues will require concerted efforts from various stakeholders to ensure the safety and sustainability of buildings across the region. Interested parties are encouraged to stay informed and engaged with local councils and support initiatives that aim to improve building safety standards.
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