PANAJI: In a good example of public private collaboration for policy change, Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) partnered with the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) to study the sanitation fees being levied on commercial establishments in the state capital.
The study found that sanitation rates were being levied without any scientific support and on the basis of area and not based on the quantum of waste generated.
GCCI found that a car showroom pays higher sanitation fees as compared to a vehicle service centre, which generates more waste. GCCI submitted the study findings to CCP along with a draft proposal to revise the sanitation fees. “The draft proposal was presented to the CCP team followed by interactive sessions with CCP to ensure that it is a win–win proposition,” said GCCI president Ralph de Souza.
Former GCCI president Manoj Caculo had initiated the process with CCP mayor Rohit Monserrate, municipal commissioner Agnelo Fernandes and the councillors.
“CCP requested for a detailed, well-researched proposal for amendments as the mayor and his team were equally concerned about the problems and wanted to bring relief and revive the trade and business community, but preferred a professional approach,” Souza said.
GCCI studied the sanitation fees being charged right from March 2016 till August 2020 along with 40 different types of commercial establishments.
GCCI’s draft proposal along with the proposed revisions have been uploaded by CCP on its website for feedback till August 3.
