Power Minister Ramkrishna (Sudhin) Dhavlikar along with Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza and Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira inaugurating the commissioning of two feeders meant for underground cabling in Mapusa on Friday. Captured by : Agnelo Pereira
MAPUSA
Chief Electrical Engineer Stephen Fernandes on Friday said that 60 percent work of the underground power cabling was complete in Mapusa and by end of May, 80 percent of the work will be completed.
Fernandes also informed that a whopping Rs 800 crore of works in the power department has been taken up in the State in the last two years.
“With the cooperation of the people of Mapusa and the local MLA, we have managed to finish 60 percent of underground power cabling work in record seven months. And by May end, we will complete almost 80 percent of the work, which is a good completion rate,” Fernandes said.
The Chief Electrical Engineer was addressing a gathering while charging two feeders providing power through underground cabling in Cunchelim and Acoi.
Power Minister Ramkrishna (Sudhin) Dhavlikar was the chief guest at the function. Deputy Speaker and Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza, Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira, Mapusa Municipal Council Chairperson Priya Mishal and Vice-Chairperson Viraj Phadke were also present.
Continuing, Fernandes said a total of 21 feeders are supposed to come up in Mapusa.
“We have charged two feeders and another five will be charged in the next two months,” he said.
The plan to lay 11 KV High tension power cables of the entire Mapusa town underground was kickstarted in July last year. The total cost of the project was Rs 117 crore.
The work has been contracted to Swastika Infrastructure Pvt Ltd.
Power Minister Ramkrishna (Sudhin) Dhavlikar said that underground cabling work was one of the most key projects of former deputy chief minister late Francis D’Souza.
“I am happy that his son is taking up the task of completing the dreams of his father,” Dhavlikar said.
He said the underground cabling will reduce 80 to 90 percent of power-related problems in the town.
According to Deputy Speaker and Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza, the commissioning of the two feeders was a big milestone in Mapusa.
“It was a long time dream of my dad to do underground cabling. I thank the support rendered by the Mapusa municipal council, PWD and the people of Mapusa. Once the entire project is complete, we will get hassle free power supply,” D’Souza said.
He further said that in the next two to three years the entire low tension powerline will also go underground.
Aldona MLA, Carlos Ferreira also spoke.
Several engineers of the electricity department were also present for the function.
