CCP Candidate Jack Sukhija flags heritage protection and disability access as ward 17 priorities

Goa Khabar : CCP election candidate from Ward 17, Jack Sukhija, has outlined improved disability access and heritage protection as key civic priorities for his ward, which includes Fontainhas, Altinho, Alto Guimaraes and Monte Pio.

Highlighting accessibility as an immediate concern, Sukhija pointed to identified gaps in pedestrian infrastructure across the ward.

“Approximately four footstep-related cases have been identified in Ward 17 so far, which need to be maintained. There could be more,” he said, referring to access-related infrastructure issues requiring urgent attention.

He noted that uneven pavements, poorly maintained walkways and congested public spaces pose significant challenges, particularly for senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities.

“There is a lack of safe public areas, as open spaces and walkways are often heavily occupied or not adequately maintained to handle the increased use,” stated Sukhija, who is currently the president of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa.

Linking accessibility to broader urban planning concerns, the candidate emphasised the need for structured civic attention to pedestrian safety and inclusive infrastructure, ensuring that development remains people-centric and sensitive to residents’ daily needs.

Turning to heritage protection, Sukhija raised concerns about mounting pressures on Ward 17’s notified heritage areas, including the stretch from Church Square to St. Sebastian Chapel in Fontainhas, as well as parts of Alto Guimaraes.

“High Instagram-driven tourist footfall is resulting in frayed tempers and increased conflict between residents and Insta tourists,” he said.

Sukhija also pointed out that sewerage infrastructure challenges and green waste are being faced in localities like Monte Pio.

He said, “Monte Pio is a crowded urban settlement with people living in close proximity of each other, and has significant issues with respect to waste management, sewerage and other basic infrastructure.”

Rather than proposing sweeping redevelopment measures, Sukhija stressed a consultative and feasibility-driven approach.

“We are working on a few ideas. Some of the residents have come up with really good ideas. Once elected, I will create a feasibility report for each of the ideas and accordingly put it up for approvals,” he said.

Addressing vehicular concerns, Sukhija said haphazard parking and traffic congestion continue to impact both the heritage character of the ward and the daily life of residents.

“The first step is definitely ensuring the movement of tourist vehicles is regulated,” he stated, indicating that regulating tourist vehicle movement would be an immediate priority.

Reiterating his campaign’s guiding principle, Sukhija said his approach would remain rooted in practical implementation.

“I believe in practical solutions to everyday civic issues. Simple, realistic steps that actually make the lives of my ward’s residents better,” he said.

Framing his campaign under the slogan “Community First. Panjim Always,” Sukhija emphasised that heritage protection, regulated tourism and inclusive public infrastructure must progress together.

“Development must improve daily life for those who live here, not inconvenience them. After all, it’s ‘Community First, Panjim Always,” he added.