Naik was speaking to the press after inauguration two transformers in Navelim. Responding to a query about the hike in electricity charges, he clarified that neither the power ministry nor the electricity department were responsible. Instead, it was the decision of the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission. He pointed out that it was the first such hike in 12 years, and despite it, Goa was the only State with such low charges.
He informed that, according to a report from Goa Electronics Limited, the monthly billing system had been started in 95 per cent of Goa.
Regarding the safety of linesmen, Naik said that an order for safety kits for the linesman had already been placed. The equipment will arrive within a month.
On the issue of streetlights, Naik said that in many areas the responsibility was not on the power department, but other government departments, including tourism. He further said that the department was reviewing the issue of handling complaints on the phone. He said his department had to face several difficulties and occasionally had to attend to four problems at the same time.
Naik also called for greater coordination and flexibility with the forest department over trimming of trees.
Regarding problems where underground cabling connections had already been set up, Naik said that the problem was obviously not with the underground cabling, but where the power was coming from. The power department is looking into the issue. Naik added that if one spends time with his engineers, they would better understand the difficulties faced by the department.
Meanwhile, Navelim MLA Avertano Furtado said that he would soon be holding a review meeting with Naik regarding his constituency’s problems. He will also hold similar meetings with other government departments. While thanking Naik for his support, Furtado requested the power department to provide a sub-station for Navelim. He further said that Rs 84 crore had been sanctioned for underground cabling in Navelim and that the work order should be tendered within a month.
