Chairman of Goa Rehabilitation Board and Cumbarjua MLA Rajesh Faldessai on Monday raised the issue of the non-commencement of infrastructure works at Old Goa in view of the Exposition of the Relics of St Francis Xavier.

“The project worth Rs 17 crore has not started on the beautification works of Old Goa for the Exposition. It was virtually inaugurated by the Prime Minister. I am in the committee and I have been following up. These are major works. A lot of people will come to Old Goa, and hence these works cannot be ignored as it is important. The Tourism Minister must tell when the works will start,” he said.

He also sought to know when the beautification works of the garden at the Divar Church will commence.

“The file was passed but the work has not started. The area has a nice view of the Atal Setu. Many tourists visit the island,” he said.

The MLA also sought additional funding for the Bonderam and Sangodd festivals held in his constituency.

“Two Bonderam festivals are held. The cost for organizing such a big festival is nearly Rs 50 lakh, but we get only Rs 2 lakh from the Tourism Department. More than 25,000 people come for the festival which will be held next month. Even the Sangodd draws a lot of crowd. We try to arrange funds on our own. I urge the minister to make a provision of around Rs 25 lakh for Sangodd,” he said.

Pitching for starting watersports activities in Divar, he said, “It will give jobs for around 150 youth,” he said.

Faldessai also said that if Goa Miles is allowed to start a counter at Carambolim Railway Station, it will affect the local taxi operators.

“The local taxi owners get business once in 3-4 days. They will be affected if the Goa Miles counter is set up at the railway station,” he said.