The state-of-the-art water testing laboratory at Gogol-Margao was conceptualised in 2011 under the JICA project during the Digambar Kamat government. A whopping Rs 2.43 crore was spent on this laboratory and it was expected to function as a central laboratory, primarily to test the water supplied to Salcete and Mormugao talukas from the Selaulim Water Treatment Plant. But, the laboratory still awaits formal commissioning with the government dragging its feet to sanction the necessary staff to man the laboratory.
When Herald contacted Principal Chief Engineer, D G S Borkar to shed light on the status of the laboratory, he admitted that though it has started functioning, full-fledged operations have not commenced for want of staff.
“We have deputed some staff at the Gogol laboratory. But, full-fledged operations of the laboratory will begin only after we get more staff. We have requisitioned the government for staff recruitment,” Borkar said.
JICA Project Coordinator A M Waschasunder said that state-of-the-art equipment has been procured under JICA for the Gogol laboratory. “We have submitted our report to the government on the laboratory,” he added.
