Filomena Fernandes Takes Charge as Calangute Deputy Sarpanch, Vows Ward-Level Focus
’CALANGUTE: In a move welcomed across party lines, Ms Filomena Fernandes was on Monday elected as the Deputy Sarpanch of Village Panchayat Calangute, with members citing her long grassroots connect and “door-to-door approach” to civic issues.
Fernandes, a former president of the local mahila mandal, was elected unopposed after consensus emerged during the special panchayat meeting. She replaces the post that fell vacant last month.
Speaking after the announcement, Fernandes said her immediate priorities would be streamlining garbage collection in beach-belt wards, improving tap water pressure in her ward, and creating self-help group linkages for women in tourism.
“Calangute’s development can’t be only about the beach. Our internal roads, drains, and mothers’ issues need equal attention. I will work with all nine ward members as one team,” she told reporters at the panchayat office.Community Backing
Sarpanch and panch members across groups hailed the decision, saying Fernandes’ experience in organising medical camps, SHG training, and beach cleanliness drives made her a natural choice. “She knows every lane and every family’s problem. That’s what we need,” said a senior ward member.
Fernandes said she would push for pre-monsoon desilting, functional streetlights on internal roads, Calangute, one of Goa’s most high-profile villages, has struggled with waste management, traffic, and water supply despite its tourism revenue. Residents say they hope Fernandes’ election brings “ward-level accountability” back to the panchayat.
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