PORVORIM: Power Minister Ramakrishna `Sudin’ Dhavalikar on Monday assured the State Legislative Assembly that the government will recover the over Rs 400 crore outstanding dues from industrial and commercial consumers in a time-bound manner.
“The dues are more than Rs 400 crore and definitely we will recover in a time-bound manner. We have to recover,’’ he said while replying during discussion on demands for grants for the Electricity Department.
However, he pointed out that because of the earlier Congress government’s act, the government had to shell out Rs 510 crore to the private power company.
The Minister also assured the House that he will discuss with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant the issue of the aerial bunched cabling project following allegations by the members that it was a failure and there was an alleged scam.
On the issue of street lighting, Dhavalikar said he will hold meetings with heads of various government departments with regards to street lights and will try to resolve the problem within the next two months.
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo pointed out that street lights were being installed by various departments but not being maintained properly.
The Minister informed the House that a consultant has been appointed for the smart meter project and the work will start very soon.
He said he will discuss with the finance department whether a solar village is possible or not. It was demanded by Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas.
The Power Minister said electricity department workers were provided safety equipment and they should use it while attending any work.
The Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao pointed out that 65 people have died so far due to the electric shocks so far and asked the government to put an end to it.
Intervening, Chief Minister PramodSawant said a safety audit is being conducted. He also said that the incidents were occurring due to minor mistakes.
Dhavalikar informed the House that for the first time in the history of any government in the State, the Electricity Department has carried out works worth Rs 2,863 crore across the State.
