the goan I network
MAPUSA
Snubbing opposition against the expansion of the waste treatment plant in Saligao, Waste Management Minister Michael Lobo on Thursday said up-gradation of the plant was necessary and will be carried out come what may.
“We will upgrade the plant by all means. The government is spending Rs 90 crore on the up-gradation work. Already all drawings are in place. We have obtained all clearances and work has also started on the site,” Lobo said.
The waste management minister said a former minister who was trying to misguide Goans will not get any leverage from the public.
“Former ministers who have no future in politics have started to make noise. Please stop it. Nobody is going to listen to you. Do some good work. If you are trying to misguide people, they won’t be with you,” Lobo hit out.
Former housing minister and Saligao MLA Jayesh Salgaonkar has opposed the expansion of the plant. The MLA has reportedly decided to lead an agitation against the State government’s expansion plans.
Lobo has challenged politicians to garner public support against the expansion plans.
“If any politician wants to draw mileage out of the issue, let him bring as many people as possible. We have told the people of Saligao that this facility is required in the village,” he said.
Interestingly, before he could gain a cabinet berth, Lobo had staunchly opposed any plans to expand the capacity of the Saligao plant.
“We are not going to allow expansion of the treatment plant at Saligao until the government comes up with such plants in Bainguinim, Cacora and another plant of smaller capacity in Mapusa,” he had then said to The Goan.
On Thursday the minister said he had then opposed extra garbage coming to the plant until the technology was improved.
“The wet waste coming in the morning cannot remain without being treated till 10 in the night. It starts to stink. This wet waste must be treated immediately within two hours,” he said.
“Our plant was getting 220 tonnes of waste on a daily basis. I strongly opposed the expansion of the plant to get more garbage. Waste coming should be immediately treated. That is the need of the hour,” Lobo said.
