Slow work to double cost

TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: The Taleigao sewerage project, which has been delayed for a host of reasons, is yet another example of massive cost overrun in government projects and is therefore likely to be completed only in 2014. Intended to rid Taleigao, Caranzalem and Dona Paula of leaking septic tanks in the sandy beachside areas, the project is likely to cost the government more than double its initial estimate.
The estimated Rs 58 crore project will cost the government over Rs 140 crore by the time it is completed by the Public Works Department. Protests by people from certain residential areas, land acquisition issues and geological hurdles have slowed the pace of work, say engineers working round the clock to expedite the same.
As on date, the project, which is creating nuisance to pedestrians, two wheeler riders and motorists, has missed every perceptible deadline, as far as the completion of the first two of the four phases of the project is concerned, as hurdles and obstacles continue to mar the on-going works for laying the networking systems.
Except for the new 15 MLD sewerage treatment plant on which 90 per cent of the work has been completed, the other key works of laying the sewerage lines and pumping stations are working on new deadlines and revised estimates.
The Executive Engineer, Division III – PWD, Dilip Dhavalikar confirmed that work is moving at a slow pace for endless reasons. “Presently work has stopped in Taleigao due to the monsoons and will resume only in October,” he said.
Apparently the completion of work hinges on phase two where the PWD has been unsuccessful in finalising tenders for work on a five kilometre stretch even after four attempts and is likely to re-float tenders for the fifth time in the days to come.
This section happens to be the vital link for connecting phase three and four to the new STP and one year has already lapsed as bidding agencies seem to be increasing their quotations above the estimated costs, which now has been raised by 65 per cent.
Work in this area has been hit severely due to high water tables and plans are being revised to facilitate its completion at least before December 2013.
The Division III of the PWD has now set a target of completing most of the work by May 2014 but are keeping their options open of a further extension to December 2014 having submitted revised estimated for approval of the government.