Team Herald
PANJIM: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said that infrastructure and development in the State will not happen overnight and appealed to the opposition to have patience.
Parrikar, while participating in the discussion over the Governor’s address said that national highways would be constructed and improved in 2-3 years without affecting the locals and their houses.
He said that the government has got a sanction of almost Rs 16,000 crore from the Centre for the infrastructure in the State. He said that the State expenditure on the bridge over River Mandovi and for construction of Old Goa-Merces bypass would be also refunded by the Centre.
“The improvement of infrastructure and highways will not only improve driving but also reduce accidents,” Parrikar said.
Speaking about the water supply and power, Parrikar said that for quality service there is need of money. He said that consultant is already appointed to work on all projects of the water supply of the state.
He said that after their report shortly by November or December government will issue the tenders one by one to improve the water supply in the state.
On electricity bills, he said the government is spending Rs 180 crore per month on the purchase of power from other states. Goa has much cheaper electricity compared to Maharashtra and Karnataka.
“The bills which are increased this month is a backlog of last three months where the rates of purchase of power was increased. It will go down whenever rates are down,” the Chief Minister said.
