Team Herald
Mapusa: It has been eight years since the work on building a sewerage network in Mapusa began.
Not only is the project still lying incomplete, it was meant to have been completed in May 2016. Funded by the Japan International Cooperative Agency (JICA), questions have been raised as to why it has been further delayed since the last four years.
It is to be noted that the Sewage treatment plant (STP) for Mapusa, is one of the most important projects for Mapusa residents. It’s requirement is clear against the backdrop of various complaints about seweage flowing through the gutters and about overflowing septic tanks.
There have also been allegations that many houses and buildings in Mapusa have directly connected their sewage pipeline to the gutters, which further flows into the Tar river.
It is also to be noted that according to sources less than 40% per cent of the population of Mapusa has their own septic tanks and soak pits.
While the work of the plant at Kamarkhajan is already ready and has also received its electricity connection, the PWD is yet to connect the household to this underground network. Sources informed that in the first phase out of 20 wards, in 12 wards that is Acoi, Kamarkhajan, Gausawado, Angod, market area, Ansabhat, Khorlim and parts of Dattawadi, the work of laying underground pipeline on the main road is completed, however work of installing receiving the chamber from the households to the main line has not yet started.
The second phase will include installation of underground pipeline in Shetyewado, Duler, Cuchelim, Karaswada, Dangui Colony and housing board which is not yet started.
With 1,500 manholes, Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) technology is used in this project and around 70 to 80 per cent of the residential buildings will be covered under this project. Around Rs 80 crore is spent to lay the sewerage pipeline in Mapusa.
Sources also informed that around 45 man-holes at various points of the pipeline have leakages.
“Technically work of the first phase is completed but there are few things, which needs to be completed before going for the second phase. I have called for a meeting with the Director, during which, the actual status of the project will be known,” said Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza.
