October, 2016: The foundation stone laying ceremony for the restoration of Fonte Fenix, Mala, was held at the hands of Shri. Sidharth Kuncalienker,Hon’ble Vice Chairman of GSIDC and MLA – Panaji Constituency and in the distinguished presence of Shri. Surendra Furtado, Mayor – Panaji, Shri Arvind Ghatkar, MD – EDC as well as Shri Shubham Chodankar, Shri Menin Da Cruz, Smt. Rekha Kande and Smt. Manisha Manerkar, corporators.
Fonte Fenix is a hillside catchment area of a natural spring. In fact, the surrounding area, Fontainhas derives its name from the fountain. The Fonte Fenix structure was built in 1855-57 during the reign of Governor Gen. Count of Ourem. Over the course of time, parts of the structure have deteriorated, the plaster has broken, balusters corroded, doors and grills damaged and structural cracks have developed.
The restoration aims to breathe new life into Fonte Fenix. The process will include removal of vegetal roots and debris, structural stabilisation of loose parts, restoration of damaged architectural details and repairs and reconstruction of the concrete balusters. the finish of the structure and surroundings will be improved and preventive measures will be undertaken to avoid further damages.
The total cost of the project is 35 lakhs and is slated to be completed in 6 months. Kamlakant S. Sawant Amonkar is the contractor on the project and Conservation Architect Ketak S. P. Nachinolkar is the consultant.
