Oscar Fernandes Lays Foundation Stone for govt G+3 Residential Apartments
Mangaluru: The Foundation Stone laying ceremony for the G+3 residential apartments at Rajiv Nagar Shakti Nagar was held at Cordel Hall here on February 24.
The programme began with an invocation followed by the welcome address from the joint commissioner Gokuldas Nayak.
The programme was inaugurated by the former central minister Oscar Fernandes by lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries on the dais.
Parish priest of Holy Cross Church Cordel Fr Victor Machado, Muslim religious priest Abdul Rehamania and Hindu religious priest Raghavendra Bhat performed the prayers. The foundation stone for G+3 Residential Apartments was symbolically laid by Oscar Fernandes and Blossom Fernandes.
Addressing the gathering Oscar Fernandes said, “It is a heart touching programme because today 930 families will have their dream houses. There are two challenges in everyone’s life they are marriage and owning a house. If these challenges are met we will be successful in life.”
Oscar Fernandes further said, “The Central government in association with the state government and the Mangaluru City Corporation is constructing 930 apartments in Rajiv Nagar, Shaktinagar. MLA J R Lobo took the initiative to provide houses to the poor people and has strived hard to implement this project. He has worked relentlessly to make his dream project successful from day one after he became the MLA. He has always thought of the poor and the marginalized and you are lucky to have Lobo as your elected representative.”
Oscar also said, “MLA Lobo has not only worked for the development of his constituency but he had a keen interest in showing tigers to the people of DK. Earlier there were tigers in the district but when the people started constructing houses tigers disappeared from DK. He is the main person behind the Pilikula project which has brought tigers to the district. Now Pilikula has become popular and soon the 3D planetarium will also be inaugurated. I congratulate all the beneficiaries and thank MLA J R Lobo for his dedication in realizing the dream of constructing houses to the poor.”
MLA J R Lobo in his presidential address said, “From the past three years I have been struggling to get this project. But now some people are trying to create misunderstanding among the beneficiaries by saying that the project is not mine. I urge all the beneficiaries not to heed rumours spread by some people who cannot see the success of this project. I assure you that the G+3 apartments will be ready in 18 months. I also urge the rumour mongers that the project is for the poor so do not misguide the beneficiaries”.
MLA J R Lobo further said, “We all believe in God and before any good work we offer prayers to God. Today we brought all the three religious priests here to perform the rituals since we all believe in God and before any good work we all pray to God. We all know that God is one but the way of devotion is different from religion to religion. After the construction of the apartments, beneficiaries of all faiths will reside in their respective houses. I request you to live in unity and not divide the society into the lines of religion. I know the meaning of poverty because I have experienced it. Today I clarify that I am totally responsible for this Rajiv Nagar project with the support of former mayor Sashidhar Hedge and Aziz. To construct 930 apartments in Rajiv Nagar, from the past three years I have called a minimum of 30 meetings and I know how hard it is to realise such a project and the efforts and work behind it.”
MLA Lobo also said, “God has made a mistake I can say by not giving a bone to the tongue since some people speak very ill about this project. I want to clarify to all those who are trying to spread false rumours about this housing project that from the past three years I have been slogging to realise this project and provide housing to these 930 families, do not try to poison the minds of the beneficiaries. Today we are distributing the order copy to all the 930 beneficiaries. In 18 months the project will be completed and Oscar Fernandes and Blossom will hand over the keys to you. In the first phase we are giving 930 houses and in the second phase, we will distribute 2000 houses to the beneficiaries.
Mayor Kavitha Sanil, M A Gafoor, Suresh Ballal, Abdul Rahmania also spoke on the occasion. Blossom Fernandes, Sashidhar Hegde, Bhasker K, Mohammed Nazir, Deputy Mayor Rajaneesh and others were also present.
May God bless Mr. J.R. Lobo who has initiated
and has made tremendous efforts in ensuring
homes for the homeless and underprevilged
of Mangalore. Mr. Oscar Fernandes too should
make efforts to initiate homes for the homeless
in his town of Udupi.