PANAJI
Citing several issues of irregularities in the power sector including the underground cabling project, both ruling and opposition MLAs on Monday demanded an inquiry into the Rs 134 crore aerial bunch cabling project.
They demanded that either a judicial inquiry be conducted or the case should be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) while taking steps to recover the money from the contractor.
The legislators, cutting across party lines, also raised concern over faulty meter readings and inflated power bills that have sent shockers to consumers coupled with a hike in power tariff.
Goa Forward Party’s Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai brought to the notice of the House that almost Rs 134 crore were paid to the contractor KEI Industries Limited for installing 760.5 km long aerial bunch cable.
“But, as Minister (Power) said, this is a scam. This entire project was born with a scam. But who will be held accountable?” he questioned.
He further questioned whether the project management consultant-REC Power Distribution Company and work contractor - KEI Industries Limited will be blacklisted for complete failure of the project?
“Will they be held accountable? Will some action be taken against them?” he added.
BJP MLA Sankalp Amonkar said “We/People need to know the status of this project and who all were involved, the then minister, the secretary, the engineers, contractor, etc.? We demand a thorough inquiry into this, possibly a vigilance or CBI inquiry as it has cost crores of rupees of loss to the state exchequer.”
RGP MLA Viresh Borkar said that “With the minister admitting on the Floor that the project is a scam, it is important that a judicial inquiry is conducted and book the culprits involved.”
Underground cabling
The MLAs also alleged irregularities in the underground cabling project and the failure of the department to tackle it in case there is any damage and subsequent power cuts.
Margao MLA Digambar Kamat questioned the quality of the underground cabling. He said that the specification with regards to depth of cable is not followed and there is no quality control. “There are 100 places which are fully underground in Margao since 2006. However, off late, in some places, the underground facility is disconnected and have started overhead connection,” he said.
On the faulty meters and inflated bills, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao pointed out that the consumers are forced to pay the inflated bills and only then the department undertakes corrections. “People are getting bills above Rs 10,000. The common man is not in a position to pay these bills. Some system needs to be put in place to rectify the bills before payment itself,” he said demanding action against those involved in this.
Highlighting frequent power cuts due to poor infrastructure, Alemao said that as per government data since 2019 till date, the department has spent over Rs 12,000 crore on the purchase, maintenance and improvisation of the infrastructure.
Death on duty
He also said that 55 staffers have died while on duty since 2019, apart from seven common men and 17 animals due to electrocution.
The MLAs also brought to the notice of the House the staff shortage, the safety of linesmen and other field staff, and compensation to the families of those who lost their lives on duty among other issues.
