Govt needs to buck up on power infra: Cong

“From Calangute-Candolim to Siolim-Morjim almost all the villages along the coast face power cuts every 15 minutes. People are getting agitated. I receive calls from the entire coastal belt. The government needs to act fast to augment power supply to locals,” Lobo said.

The Leader of opposition was addressing the media at the Congress office in Mapusa on Monday. Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President, Amit Patkar and other senior leaders were also present.

Continuing, Lobo said there was an urgent need to expand power infrastructure in the State.

“New constructions and hotels are coming up but the power infra remains static putting pressure on the existing infrastructure,” he said.

He disclosed that the power department had come out with an expression of interest for a compact sub-station at Saligao which would take care of the entire Bardez.

“It was a project of Rs 180 to Rs 200 crore. The project was tendered but at the time of issuing work order, former power minister Madkaikar was dropped as a minister and a new minister took over. After that the file was never processed,” he said.

He said people from the coastal villages were constantly calling up inquiring about the erratic power supply.

“Electricity and water are basic needs of the people. We will write to the government to resolve the power problem as soon as possible. The setting up of the infra will take one or two years but at least the process should begin,” Lobo said.

He further informed that a similar problem existed with the supply of water.

“In many villages people get water every alternate day. Getting power and water is the fundamental right of the citizens. The government must act on pending projects so that necessary infrastructure is set up for proper supply of water and power,” he said.