MARGAO
The seven bio-methanation plans proposed to be set up at Sonsodo to address the burning waste issue will cost the Margao Municipal Council a whopping Rs 42.79 crore, including the cost of Rs 8.20 crore to build two sheds, retaining wall and roads.
The Goa Waste Management Corporation has submitted preliminary estimates of the ambitious biomethanation project to the Margao Municipal Council on Monday. The ball now lies in the court of the civic body to forward the proposal to the government for administrative approval before the Corporation works out the actual cost of the multi-crore project.
The GWMC proposal has mooted setting up the biomethanation plants in two phases, with phase-I expected to cost the civic body around Rs 23.53 crore. In phase-I, the GWMC has proposed setting up of three biomethanation plants near the old shed.
GWMC sources informed that the cost includes the work of constructing two sheds admeasuring 2250 square meters to house the biomethanation plants. The cost also includes building a retaining wall near the old and abandoned shed and roads to make the shed accessible.
The Phase-II of the project entails setting up of five biomethanation plants at an estimated cost of Rs 19.26 crore in the existing shed.
“The GWMC has prepared the preliminary estimates for the biomethanation project. The actual estimates will be worked out once the MMC obtains the administrative approval for the project,” an official said, adding that the cost may come down when the actual estimates are worked out.
A GWMC official pointed out that while the MMC will be required to float the tender for the civil works for the sheds, retaining wall and the roads, the biomethanation plants will be procured through the GeM portal.
To a question, the official pointed out that the company bagging the tender to set up the plants will be required to look after the operation and maintenance for five years and also train the MMC staff to do so.
“The MMC will be required to provide segregated waste to feed the biomethanation plants. A clause can be inserted in the agreement making provision for deferred payments to the contractor,” an official said.
The MMC had last month given its stamp of approval for the setting up of seven biomethanation plants at Sonsodo. It is not clear whether the Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes will place the preliminary estimates prepared by GWMC before the council for information or straightaway forward these to the government for approval.
