CM directs GWMC to handle garbage across Mapusa

MAPUSA

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday evening directed the Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) to handle waste management in Mapusa town.  

The chief minister had chaired a meeting at the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) to review pre-monsoon, electricity and water supply works, and waste management issues in the municipality.  

Others present at the meeting included Deputy Speaker and Mapusa MLA Joshua de Souza, MMC Chairperson Priya Mishal, councillors, North Goa Collector Ankit Yadav, and officials of various government departments.  

During the meeting, the councillors put forth various issues before the chief minister and sought his intervention in the matter.  

“There is a garbage problem in Mapusa and the GWMC has been given temporary responsibility to resolve this issue. Due to unseasonal rains, the city faced a flood-like situation. The government cannot be blamed for this because some have constructions on sewers and drains. The municipal council is equally responsible for this as it did not intervene in time,” said Sawant.  

“Engineers concerned have been instructed to immediately begin work on the ground from Wednesday. Police will also take action against those who throw garbage by the roadsides in the town.”  

During the meeting, the chief minister also ordered action against an engineer who was accused of being negligent in repairing the water pipes.  

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Deputy Speaker Joshua D’Souza said the chief minister had been informed about issues in Mapusa.  

“Changes will be seen in the coming days. Since dumping of waste has been prohibited on the Assagao plateau, there is some pressure on the MMC regarding proper disposal of waste. This issue will be resolved with the cooperation of the chief minister and the people,” said D’Souza.  

Councillor Shashank Narvekar said the councillors had informed the chief minister about issues regarding waste management in the city and the problems faced by people during the rains.  

“There were complaints regarding the drains regarding the faulty design and the failure to clean them before the rains. The chief minister later handed over the responsibility of waste management in Mapusa city to the GWMC,” said Narvekar.