Even as the State is grappling to find a solution to the Sonsoddo crisis, inquiries reveal that the State has spent crores on agencies for management of waste at the site.
As per information availed by Herald, the government and the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) has paid Rs 5,67,27,086 (Rupees five crore sixty seven lakh twenty seven thousand and eighty six only).
This is over and above the amount sanctioned by government of Rs 7.31 crores to MMC for setting up of Waste Treatment Plant at Sonsoddo Margao
The MMC had appointed M/s Komex India Pvt. Ltd (1998 – Feb 2000) but they were not paid any amount, thereafter M/s Goa Foundation was appointed from November 2004 to March 2006 and paid a sum of Rs 19,00,000 (nineteen lakhs).
Similarly, M/s Hyquip Project Pvt Ltd was appointed from August 2006 to October 2008 and were not paid anything. Again M/s Goa Foundation was appointed from November 2008 to April 2009 and paid Rs 8, 20, 000.
M/s Sociedade de Fomento was appointed from February 2010-till date and have been so far paid Rs 3,70,00,000 (three crore seventy lakhs) by MMC.
GSUDA on the other hand has appointed M/s Mahabal Enviro Engineers (nil), M/s Hyquip Projects Pvt Ltd for Rs 1,70,07,086) one crore seventy lakhs seven thousand and eighty six rupees) and M/s Eco Pro Environmental Services for Consultancy services for Rs 1,32,973.00.
The Sonsoddo issue is in the eye of the storm due to the recent fire which took almost a week to douse.
In addition to these problems, the company Fomento Green, a subsidiary of Fomento Resources, which has been handling garbage at the Sonsoddo waste dumping yard, has refused to take non-segregated waste at the plant.
Disturbed by the adamant attitude of the private firm handling a garbage treatment plant in South Goa, State Deputy Chief Minister Vijai Sardesai threatened to dump waste at the doorstep of the company, if it continues creating dispute with local civic body.
Overall, MMC appointed five agencies and the Goa State Urban Development Agency has appointed three agencies.
