PONDA: The Ponda Municipal Council (PMC) has resolved to lease out the entire new market complex for a duration of ten years during a special council meeting convened on Tuesday.
Following the meeting, PMC chairperson Anand Naik addressed the media, explaining that the decision was made to generate revenue, as the new Ponda Market Complex has remained largely unoccupied due to a lack of interest in the available shops.
He noted that six previous auctions aimed at renting out the vacant shops in the 13-year-old complex had yielded little to no response. Consequently, the PMC has opted to lease the entire complex for commercial purposes to enhance revenue generation. A resolution to this effect was adopted during the special council meeting.
Chairperson Anand Naik further stated that despite the most recent auction held last month, there was minimal interest in the individual shops and offices. “The PMC had offered shops and offices for auction, but there were no interested parties. We have determined that leasing these shops individually is not a viable option,” he remarked.
The council drew inspiration from the Curchorem Municipality, which successfully leased its entire building after obtaining GSUDA approval, thereby generating revenue. After evaluating this model, the PMC has decided to proceed with leasing the entire new market complex for commercial use, while retaining a few shops for emergency purposes. The four-storey project, inaugurated in December 2011, has seen limited utilization, with only 26 of its 154 units currently operational.