Mapusa: A senior clerk at the child development project office (CDPO) in Pernem was injured on Monday after a portion of the office ceiling collapsed during working hours, raising serious concerns over the poor condition of govt buildings.The incident occurred around 2pm when Sujay Gawade was having lunch. Eyewitnesses said a concrete slab measuring about 1.5 to 2m suddenly fell from the ceiling, injuring Gawade. He was shifted to Tuem govt hospital for treatment.The collapse caused panic among staff and visitors, with many rushing out of the building fearing further structural failure.Pernem deputy collector Shivprasad Naik inspected the premises and declared the building unsafe.
Holding the Public Works Department (PWD) responsible, Naik said he had earlier warned a junior engineer that the department would be accountable for any mishap. “The PWD had claimed that formalities for repairs were still in process,” he said.Naik said he would issue orders to vacate offices housed in the building and seek a comprehensive structural stability report from the PWD. “We cannot wait for more injuries or a fatality before shifting offices from this complex,” he said.A CDPO staffer said the incident was a disaster waiting to happen. “Written communications were sent to the PWD in 2022 and 2023 reporting structural damage and seeking urgent relocation,” the official said.Naik noted that relocation would have to be done in phases due to the large volume of records.Office staff from the neighbouring offices, including the labour department and civil supplies storeroom, also said their sections were in a dangerous condition.
