THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo announced that the water treatment plant at Pilerne industrial estate is expected to be operational within a year.
Lobo revealed that the construction of the sump and water tanks and crucial components of the project is projected to be completed by December this year.
Addressing the media following a meeting with Water Resources Department (WRD) Chief Engineer Pramod Badami at Porvorim, Lobo highlighted the acute water shortage affecting residents along the Calangute-Candolim coastal belt.
The region currently faces a shortfall of nearly 10 million litres per day (mld) in water supply.
"The WRD has expedited the construction of the sump and water tanks, aiming for completion by December. Subsequently, the Public Works Department (PWD) will need to establish the filtration plant, which will take an additional eight months to a year. We anticipate that the water treatment plant will be operational within a year's time," stated Lobo.
He detailed that the construction of the sumps and water tanks will cost approximately Rs 19 crore, while setting up the filtration plant is expected to require an additional Rs 20 to 25 crore.
Lobo emphasised the growing demand for water in Calangute and parts of the Saligao constituency, attributing it to the increasing number of guest houses and resorts in the coastal belt.
He pointed out that local panchayats issue licenses to these establishments based on permissions from the Town and Country Planning department.
He urged the government to ensure adequate water and power supply to meet the rising demand.
The foundation stone for the water treatment plant at Pilerne industrial estate was laid over two years ago. The local comunidade had provided the land for the project, aiming to address the public's needs.
Lobo expressed optimism that the completion of this project would significantly alleviate the water shortage issues faced by the residents of Calangute and surrounding areas.
