Team Herald
ASSAGAO: The underground cabling work for 11 KV and 33 KV lines undertaken at Assagao has failed to meet expectations, leading to ongoing ‘rectification’ efforts that have caused significant inconvenience to the public. The corrective measures have also delayed drainage works and disrupted water supply in the area.
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According to sources, the 11 KV and 33 KV lines are required to be placed at a depth of at least one metre from the road surface. However, in several locations, the cables have been laid at less than half a metre depth, and in some instances, they are situated directly above water pipelines. This improper placement poses a risk of damaging the water pipelines, potentially leading to severe health hazards.
Assagao Sarpanch Hanumant Naik has held the contractor responsible for the substandard work. He criticised the lack of coordination with the Public Works Department (PWD) and other stakeholders, stating that the project should have been executed in a systematic manner.
“The contractor will finish and leave, but we will be left to deal with the risks. This inadequate cabling depth could lead to serious accidents,” Naik said.
PWD linemen have also expressed frustration, highlighting the dangers of laying high-tension cables above water pipelines. They emphasised the risks to public safety and their own lives.
Manoj, a Junior Engineer from the Electricity Department, acknowledged the issues. When contacted, he stated, “Wherever such instances have been identified, we have instructed the contractor to rectify them by placing the cables at the required depth. This includes a 33 KV cable currently being relocated under my direction to meet the necessary standards. As drainage works are also underway, we are addressing the depth of cables laid near the road surface concurrently.”
Meanwhile, the rectification works have exacerbated water supply disruptions, leaving a large section of the village grappling with water scarcity during the festive season. When questioned about the irregular water supply, the Sarpanch assured that the issue would be addressed before the ongoing road hot-mixing works are completed.
Residents remain concerned about the delays and the risks posed by the improperly executed cabling work.
