MARGAO: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar launched a 100 MLD water treatment plant (WTP) at a function in Margao on Sunday. The WTP, a project of JICA, is aimed at improving the water supply to Sanguem, Quepem, Salcete and Mormugao talukas in South Goa.
Speaking on the occasion, Parrikar stated that water is a precious resource that needed to be preserved, especially in times when it was scarce across the country. He also stated that the JICA project was worth Rs 1,032 crore for 350 MLD of water supply, and that the first phase has been achieved through this project.
The 100 MLD water treatment plant is based at Selaulim, with a transmission main from Shirvoi to Verna. A 20 MLD master reservoir has been constructed at Shirvoi, about 8 km from the WTP. The work of the project began in 2011, while the feasibility study was conducted in 2004 and loan agreement signed in 2007.
Later, Parrikar touched upon the delays regarding the MiG-29 fighter aircraft and said that a technical issue regarding commercial tax had caused the delay, but the matter would be resolved in a few days.
Speaking on the occasion, PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar stated that the Centre had provided Rs 300 crore to replace all the pipelines in Salcete, and soon the taluka would get 24/7 water supply, which would solve all water shortage issues.
He also spoke about the Zuari Bridge and said that the government had already issued an order to construct the Zuari Bridge, and that work on this project will begin soon. He also addressed concerns regarding the land required for the extension of the bridge and said that three houses coming in the way of this road will be demolished and rehabilitated accordingly.
Regarding other PWD projects, Dhavalikar said that work on the Loutolim-Verna missing link would start shortly, while the work on the Western bypass would be expedited.
Speaking to reporters after the event and when asked about the demands of Salcete residents regarding the flyover on the Western bypass, Dhavalikar said that additional funds would be required from the Centre, while indirectly indicating that they can only pursue that demand if they get the adequate funds and land.
Speaking on the Western bypass issue, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said that the government is improving infrastructure and that politics should not be brought into issue as the project would benefit all of Goa and not just Salcete, which is why Salcete must support this project.
Also present were Fisheries Minister Avertano Furtado, Power Minister Milind Naik, RDA Minister Alina Saldanha, South Goa MP Narendra Sawaikar, Quepem MLA Babu Kavalekar, Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, Sanvordem MLA Ganesh Gaonkar, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, and Benaulim MLA Caitu Silva.
