TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
CALANGUTE: The precarious condition of electricity wires in Calangute has caused some concern among residents, with Calangute MLA Michael Lobo also admitting that the corroded wires are also responsible for the low voltage along Calangute coast.
The electricity wires, which are estimated to be about 15-20 years old, have been joined at many places and there is a fear that these joints could snap and live wires could fall on the ground with dangerous consequences.
“Though the electricity department has started the process of laying underground cables for the high tension lines, the low tension lines are hanging dangerously over the area. It is dangerous to stand below these low tension wires, as they are not only corroded but many of them are joined at several places,” said a villager of Calangute.
Samson D’Souza said the government should have replaced the low tension wires on a priority basis. “The government has been spending a lot of money on footpaths and gutters, but has not thought of replacing the wires which pose serious threat to life and property,” added D’Souza.
When contacted, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo admitted that the wires are very old and need to be replaced urgently.
“The corroded wires have added to low voltage in the coastal belt of Calangute. I have taken up the matter with Power Minister Milind Naik who has assured to replace all the old low tension wires in Calangute constituency. The work will be taken up in phases starting from Sinquerim in Candolim, Calangute, Arpora and Parra,” said Lobo.
“I agree that the work on replacement of wires has to be done on urgent basis which I will try and get done as soon as possible with co-operation of the power minister,” added Lobo.
