MARGAO
The Margao Municipal Council and the Urja Bio System Pvt Ltd have finally inked an agreement which paves way for the Pune-based company to set up the city’s first bio-methanation plant to handle the garbage problem.
The Pune-based company has bagged the contract to supply, install, test and commission the Rs 2.40 crore 5TPD bio-methanation plant with power generation with operation and maintenance for five years at the SGPDA fish market.
Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes signed the agreement on behalf of the Council, while a representative of Urja put his signature on the dotted lines on behalf of the company.
The Chief Officer told 'The Goan' that the date of commencement of work has started from March 30 on the date of signing of the agreement while the contractor has been mandated to complete the project on September 27, 2021, within a period of 180 days.
To a question, the Chief Officer pointed out that since the SGDPA had already issued the NOC to the Civic body to set up the bio-methanation plant at its markets, there’s no need to seek a fresh NOC from the planning body.
In fact, a delegation of MMC officials are expected to visit the SGPDA market to inspect the site where the bio-methanation plant will come up before handing over the area to the Pune-based company to set up the plant.
To another question, the Chief Officer said the agreement mandates the civic body to make the payment amounting to Rs 2.40 crore in installments. “The agreement entails the civic body to make the payment to the contractor in installments depending on the completion of the work”, he said.
He said while the contactor has the responsibility to set up the plant within 180 days, the agreement mandates the company to operate and maintain the plant for a period of five years.
To another question, Agnelo said though the MMC had tendered three bio-methanation plants, he had decided to go in for only for a lone plant, adding “let the elected Council take a call on going in for the remaining two plants after assessing the efficacy of the technology”.
Shadow Council embarks
on contactless campaign
MARGAO: The Shadow Council for Margao, in the interest of the health of the general public, has decided to embark on a contactless election campaign in the ensuing Municipal elections. This is in view of the rising Covid cases.
At a media briefing in the presence of its six candidates, SCM Convenor Savio Coutinho said the group has decided to undertake, on their own, all the necessary precautions and ensure that the electorate is not subjected to health risks. "Considering it our moral responsibility, no candidate supported by the Shadow Council shall conduct the election campaign with more than 5 individuals, including the candidate", Coutinho informed.
Several political parties are seen moving door to door with 30 to 40 individuals in an attempt to convince people that they have good support. This contrarily is only adding to the possible risks, Mr. Coutinho lamented. " Door to door campaign with hordes of people is nothing but display and abuse of ill-gotten money power", Coutinho charged.
SCM candidate from ward no 3 Adv. Seoula Vas likened the election process to a 'Festival of Democracy', and stated that, just as care is proposed to be taken during other festivals, it becomes necessary for every candidate and political party to take proper precautions in order to safeguard the health of the people. "We have to ensure that the voter is fit and healthy to come and vote, as such all other candidates should follow us", Adv Seoula said. Our private interests should not be above the health safety of our electorate, she stated further.
Six candidates of SCM namely Adv. Seoula Vas (ward 3), Mr. Manuel Oliveira (ward 9), Mr. Vlem Fernandes (ward 12), Adv. Snehal Onskar ward 13), Eng. Veren D'silva (ward 15), Smt. Poma Kerkar (ward 20), were present at the press briefing.
SCM Convener Savio Coutinho informed that a larger group of candidates supported by many social organizations is likely to emerge by the last date for filing of nominations.
