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-------------------------------------------------- Welcome to the FRIDAY BALCAO -------------------------------------------------- Dear Cybergaokars on GoaNet, Friday Balcao the fortnightly discussion event to be held on 14th February will feature the topic, problems faced by flat owners in Goa. As part of a series on public interest issues Friday Balcao will focus on the quality of construction and purchase related problems of flat owners. In the last decade there have been a number of cases filed by flat owners in the various Consumer Redressal Forums with regards to problems of construction and purchase. With the construction boom in Goa over the last fifteen years many flats were purchased by consumers who worked overseas and treated the purchase as an investment. In many a case the purchase documents were not in order as well as many of the builders were in inexperienced with the market. While the overnight turn rich builders dream has gone sour for many due to shortage of funds and incomplete projects, the consumers have been none the wiser in terms of taking the necessary precautions before entering into purchase agreements. What is the responsibility of a builder after the construction is complete, is there a guarantee for the building, the plumbing, the electrification, the soak pits, and the overall maintenance. Should the Builders have an internal regulatory mechanism and a code of conduct to deal with these issues ? Can the Govt. set up a ombudsmen or a Adalat facility to tackle such problems. What are the responsibilities and liabilities of the Architects, Civil Engineers and RCC consultants ? Can Village Panchayats and Municipal Councils be held responsible for giving occupancy certificates to buildings that are sub standard, with poor construction quality and without the proper certification from related Govt. agencies ? These are some of the issues that will be discussed at the Balcao as well as case studies of flat owners who have faced problems in related matters. The outcome of the discussions and the action plan suggestions will be submitted to various citizens groups, as well as the concerned private & Govt. agencies. Those citizens wanting to contribute to the discussion at Friday Balcao are urged to attend the event while those who cannot attend the event may send their views and action plan suggestions by post to FRIDAY BALCAO Post Box 78, Mapusa 403 507 or by email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Friday Balcao will be from 4pm to 6pm at the Goa Desc Resource Centre No.11 Liberty Apartments Feira Alta, Mapusa and is open to members of the public. Those citizens who would like to receive the regular invitation to Friday Balcao and a one page synopsis of the fortnightly session can subscribe for the same by sending Rs.80/- to cover printing and mailing costs. Interested citizens wanting more information on Friday Balcao can phone on 2252660 best wishes, Roland Martins ======================================= GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE Documentation + Education + Solidarity 11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goadesc.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy =======================================
