Nearly 30 per cent of the first phase of the Porvorim sewerage project, which is being executed by the Sewerage and Infrastructural Development Corporation of Goa Ltd (SIDCGL), has been completed.
The first phase includes laying a 22-km long pipeline at the Porvorim plateau, covering the defence colony, Vidyanagar, Sainagar, Krantinagar, Pundaliknagar, Housing Board colony and the police colony. The work began on June 20, 2015 and is expected to be completed within 18 months, i.e. by May 2017.
“This project costing Rs 285 crore will cover seven panchayats: Pilerne, Reis Magos, Socorro, Pomburpa, Penha de Franca, Nerul and Salvador do Mundo. It has been designed for a population of 1.35 lakh. There will be three sewerage treatment plants (STP), one each at Kadamba Transport Corporation bus depot (Salvador do Mundo), Succor and Nerul-Dhareshwar. The project will be implemented in three phases. The contract has been awarded to three companies: Creative Infrastructure Development from New Delhi, Rock Deal from Jaipur and Krita from Bangalore,” said Ganesh Kodlekere, SIDCGL Dy Manager (Engineering).
He continued, “Porvorim being a rocky area, trenchless technology is being used; instead of open excavation, the horizontal directional drilling method is used, wherein a number of open trenched pits will be limited. Out of 800 manholes, the work of 100 manholes has been completed. Each house or building will be connected to the sewerage system. The STP for the areas under this phase will be constructed near the KTC bus depot. KTC uses around 3 MLD potable water daily for washing buses. This water will be saved once they get filtered water from the STP. NABARD has sanctioned a loan of Rs 94.25 crore for the first phase.”
He added, “Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte is holding meetings weekly or bi-weekly with SIDCGL officials and the PWD to discuss the progress of the work. Sometimes the water pipelines get damaged, but the PWD undertakes the repairs immediately upon receiving intimation. PWD will hot-mix the roads once the work is completed.”
Meanwhile, Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte stated, “The population of Porvorim is increasing at a rapid pace and hence, a sewerage project had become the need of the hour. At present, no waste water collection/conveyance or treatment exists in Porvorim constituency. Also, the terrain is such that it has a natural slope towards the riverside. As a result, it contributes to the contamination of Mandovi River. Further, lateritic soil in the region does not permit percolation of wastewater. This sewerage project will protect the residents of Porvorim constituency from health hazards and prevent contamination of ground and other water bodies.”
