Team Herald
MAPUSA: It has been almost seven years now that the work of underground sewerage network and sewerage treatment plant for Calangute is going on and is yet to see the light of the day.
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The underground sewerage network and treatment plant for Calangute and other parts of Goa is funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the contract of this project is with Simplex Company. The work of the project had commenced in April 2013 with the total cost of Rs 152.72 crore and was expected to complete in 2015.
There are around 1,044 manholes and 1,200 inspection chambers along the 3.96 km sewerage pipeline from Calangute to Baga with Sewerage Treatment Plant situated at Baga, which is already completed. This project was undertaken to get rid of the groundwater contamination, which have polluted the wells in Calangute, making it difficult for the people to use the well water for consumption purpose.
Meanwhile, during the ongoing work of installing of underground sewerage networking for almost seven years, the villagers as well the tourists had to face hardship due to bad road conditions daily. Constant digging of the roads to carry out the work of underground networking had turned the roads into pathetic condition along with dust and water, making it difficult for commuters especially the motorists and pedestrians. This situation use to sometimes lead to frequent traffic diversions, which could further lead to traffic jams during the peak tourism season.
One of the reasons why the project was delayed is that the villagers were objecting to setting up of the pumping stations in the village.
When contacted the PWD officials, they informed that the work of the two pumping stations, which is pending for long will start in mid-October. At present, the work is pending because of COVID pandemic, as there is shortage of labourers. Land for the pumping stations is already acquired and handed over to the contractor to start the work of the pumping station.
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo said, “Two pumping stations are not ready. Also waiting to start the project as we have asked for the reverse pipeline from Baga Sewerage Treatment Plant to Garbage Treatment Plant on the Calangute plateau to take the treated waste water to waste plant for further use since the treated water cannot be released into Baga creek.This treated water will be used at the waste plant.”
