Restoration of Dr Gomes' house,old municipal building likely MARGAO, AUG 31
These two structures of heritage value - the Old Municipal building and the ancestral house of Dr Francisco Luis Gomes - might have been virtually lying in ruins over the years. But, if the plan mooted by the Margao Civic body is anything to go by, these structures may be restored to its lost glory and preserved for posterity. Members of the Goa Heritage Action Group were in the city on Monday upon an invitation from the Margao Municipal chief over the restoration of the old Municipal building located at the Old Market and the ancestral house of Dr Francisco Luis Gomes in Colmorod-Navelim. Historian Prajal Sakhardande of the Goa Heritage Action Group visited Dr Gomes' house at Colmorod and disclosed plans to preserve the structure for posterity. "This was Dr Gomes' house since 1829. We have come to see the house because we want students and people to remember this great man", he added. "Dr Gomes was a great nationalist and was a parliamentarian of repute", he said, adding "it is hearting to know that the Margao Civic Chief want to preserve the house for posterity. Says Coutinho: "We have invited Sakhardande to inspect the old municipal building and the house of Dr Gomes as the Council felt that something needs to be done to maintain and protect the heritage landmarks". Aware that both the old Municipal building and the house of Dr Gomes are now owned by private parties, Coutinho said the Council discussed with Sakhardande the ownership issue of these structures, adding "as far as possible, the Council will seek the cooperation of the private parties to restore the buildings. "The government remembers Dr Gomes time and again, but it is high time that his ancestral house is converted into a museum, where his works can be housed for the benefit of posterity", Coutinho added. The Margao Civic Chief has even suggested to the government to compensate the private parties and acquire the building at market rates. "On September 30, we will be commemorating 140th anniversary of Dr Gomes. I hope the government will take up the matter in right earnest and acquire the house and preserve his works for posterity", he asserted. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=26696&cid=26
