Team Herald
old goa: Having lost patience over the delay in installation of transformer in their ward, around 50 residents of Mestabhat-Merces led by their panch Walter D’Sousa gheraoed the Bambolim sub-station AE and left his office only after getting an assurance that the transformer would be installed by August 24.
D’Sousa informed AE Bandekar that time after time when the power staff cited one hurdle or the other for delay in installing the transformer, he saw to it that the hurdles were cleared. First, I was told to get sanction letter from the power minister, which I did. Then, I was told to cut the tree near the area where the transformer was to be installed, which also I did. Later on, I was told that the power department did not have a crane and I agreed to requisition one, but still the power department continues to dilly-dally on the issue, D’Sousa complained while stating that the people won’t leave the office nor allow the AE to leave until and unless a concrete assurance is given in the matter.
D’Sousa further cited that there is a political reason behind delaying nstallation of transformer in Mestabhat. Another transformer is supposed to be installed in neighbouring Gaunchem bhat as well. But, the same has got delayed due to several objections raised by the locals, D’Sousa said and opined that the department is therefore ensuring that installation of transformer in Mestabhat is delayed as well because a BJP politician from Gaunchem bhat wants his area to be the first to get a transformer. D’Sousa then asked the AE not to allow petty politics to get the better of the wishes of the people who are made to suffer for no fault of theirs. However AE Bandekar, citing a reason for the delay, said that his staff is currently overloaded with work due to frequent breakdowns due to rains and sometimes have to work overtime. He also refuted the claims that the department is delaying the installation due to petty politics. Later, Bandekar assured the locals that the transformer will be installed by the end of this month. But, the locals set a deadline of August 24 and also demanded that the same be given in writing, which the AE refused to do which only infuriated the locals who then did not allow the AE to leave office. It was only after JE Prabhu joined the discussion and both Prabhu and Bandekar assured that the transformer will be installed by August 24 that the locals were satisfied and left the office.
Meanwhile, the locals also highlighted the difficulties faced by them due to the frequent breakdowns experienced by them since the past many weeks. Exams are going on and the students are finding it difficult to study, the locals said and added that the situation becomes worse when the power goes off during the night time.
