Team Herald
CURCHOREM: The solid waste management plant (SWMP) proposed at Cacora has become the main election issue for the candidates from the Curchorem-Cacora municipality (CCMC). Most of the candidates from Cacora have said that their main aim is to oppose the garbage plant.
To oppose the plant and avoid splitting votes, Caitano Fernandes, a candidate from Madhegal ward, has declared his unconditional support to Ajavedo Minino Piedade, who is the also contesting from the same ward. He added, “We will unitedly fight the election to oppose the SWMP at Cacora.”
Meanwhile, speaking to media persons, Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral said that he will not go against the wishes of the people. He continued, “My opponents are spreading false information to mislead the voters. To allay the fears of the people in Curchorem-Cacora, the plant was put on hold instead of being taken up on priority.”
Cabral also assured to study the functioning of the plant that is coming up at the Calangute/Saligao plateau, following which he will give his nod to the plant in Curchorem, provided the people are satisfied. The plant is likely to begin operations in early 2016.
“I do not have any ulterior motive or evil ideas to harass the people of Curchorem through the SWMP. I promise to do good for the people of my constituency in whatever way I can,” said Cabral, who also requested the people not to fall prey to false propaganda spread by his opponents.
Chartered accountant Pradip Kakodkar, who was part of the team that visited Germany to study the functioning of a similar plant, alleged that the government had not given them an opportunity to express their views after their study tour.
“The government must first prepare a detailed report of this project so that people can study it. We are not opposing the plant at Curchorem, but we will not allow garbage from places other than Curchorem and surrounding areas like Quepem and Sanguem,” said Kakodkar at a press conference. He also urged voters to vote only for candidate who will work for them and not bow down to their political bosses.
Alifa Fernandes, the sitting councillor of Vodlemoll ward, where the plant has been proposed, informed that although she is not contesting the election, she will always stand by her supporters who are opposing the plant. She added, “We are sure that people will elect the candidate who will also stand by them while opposing the plant.”
