Team Herald

SALIGAO: Famous Mae de Deus Church, Salmona Spring, small coastline and the Pilerne Industrial Estate have shaped the Saligao constituency in Bardez taluka but at the ground level, irregular water supply and low power voltage still remain unaddressed.

The constituency also boasts of St Anthony’s High School run by the Franciscan Capuchin Friars at Monte de Guirim, where many students from across Goa were boarders and whose alumni have made their presence felt worldwide.

Six village panchayats of Saligao, Guirim, Sangolda, Reis Magos, Nerul and Pilerne make up the constituency and since its creation in 1989, the constituents are facing irregular water supply and low power voltage. The constituency had better representation but these issues have somehow remained unresolved.

According to Architect Tulio De Souza, Saligao constituency lacks basic infrastructure. “The people are facing irregular water supply and suffering from low voltage problem. The residents are affected by frequent power cuts. An electricity sub-station was commissioned during the tenure of former Chief Minister late Dr Wilfred De Souza nearly 30 years ago and it awaits upgradation. Also setting up of a new pumping station would solve the water woes”, he said.

Social worker Trajano D’Mello from Guirim said that the Saligao constituency is unique having landmark heritage sites. “Mae de Deus Church or Mother of God Church, Reis Magos Fort, Salmona Spring and Coco Beach at Nerul are tourist attractions. But the rise in construction activities and population has put pressure on infrastructure”, he said.

People also complain about the Salmona Spring having medicinal value getting polluted and unfit for bathing.