PONDA: Inaugurated a year ago, Kavlem’s 15 MLD sewage treatment plant (STP), faces limited sewage connections, hindering its full capacity utilisation.
Despite complaints of sewage flowing through open gutters, the authorities say they have laid a sewerage network and have activated the treatment plant.
To obtain a sewage connection, the authorities said that the residents must complete formalities and pay a fee, with charges varying for different types of properties.
So far, 45 applications have been received, and the process of providing connections is underway.
With locals complaining about the sewage from a residential building flowing into open gutters, Pradeep Gaude, Executive Engineer of Sewerage & Infrastructural Development Corporation of Goa Ltd (SIDCGL) office at Ponda informed that a sewerage network has been laid in the town. The 15 MLD plant is also made operational for treating sewage and six months ago, SIDCGL had asked the public to apply for sewage connections.
He said people should complete the formalities by filling forms and depositing money. A sewage connection for a house or bungalow costs Rs 5,000, for a flat in residential society it is Rs 3,000. Similarly, the commercial establishments and hotels can obtain sewage connection by depositing money fixed for them. Once connection is availed, 30 per cent of the monthly water bill will be added. He said people should fill in application forms.
SIDCGL AE Mahesh Gaunekar said so far they have received 45 applications for sewage connections, and some have deposited the amount.
“We are in the process of providing sewage connections to people. In this regard, a meeting was also held with PMC officials. If we receive any complaints about sewage released in the open, then PMC officials should contact the sewage department to provide sewage connections to resolve issues,” Gaunekar said.
PMC chairperson Anand Naik said that he was unaware of the issue and plans to conduct an inquiry to address sewage-related problems effectively.
