Eyes direct pipeline from Verna tank instead of one through Mormugao
St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar speaks at the Siridao-Palem gram sabha, on Sunday.
Photo Credits: Manuel Vaz
OLD GOA
Even as several parts of St Andre constituency are facing problems of erratic water supply, MLA Viresh Borkar has suggested that the water bodies in the constituency could be used to better use to solve the water woes.
Speaking at the Siridao-Palem gram sabha on Sunday, Borkar said that it is not only Siridao-Palem which is facing problems of erratic water supply but even areas like Zuari-Goa Velha, Bambolim and other parts are facing problems.
“St Andre constituency gets water from Selaulim and Opa. But the problem is that on both sides, St Andre lies at the end of the supply chain which results in less water supply to the constituency,” Borkar informed.
“Also, from Selaulim we are receiving only 2 MLD water supply when the requirement is 4 MLD. I have proposed a direct pipeline from Verna tank as currently the pipeline runs through Mormugao taluka and then enters St Andre.”
“Right now work is going on to build water tanks at Agassaim and Nauxim which should solve the problem but that will take time.”
“Till then, we need to work on ways to use the wells, lakes and water reservoirs to use the water for daily needs. The water bodies need to be cleaned and water can then be supplied to households,” the MLA pointed out.
“Afterwards, anytime there is water scarcity then St Andre constituency won’t get affected. I am working on ways to use the water bodies and I will require support from all.
“I am working on this major project which will be a one-time solution to the water woes, which will change St Andre from a dependent constituency to an independent constituency as far as water supply is concerned,” Borkar opined.
On the electricity front, Borkar said that he is thinking of ways to generate power through solar energy, tidal wave energy, etc.
The MLA also informed that he has informed the power officials to install new transformers wherever needed, and also to install street lights in areas which are under darkness.
“However, the major problem occurs due to the overhead high tension lines, one running from Bambolim sub station to Batim feeder and the other from Batim feeder to Pilar feeder. Both these HT lines will be installed underground, and files of both the works have been approved,” Borkar added.
On another front, the erratic waste collection in Siridao-Palem was also highlighted with the villagers demanding a concrete plan to tackle garbage problem in the village.
“As of now, only dry waste is collected and the contractor does not cover the entire village, which results in waste being dumped on roadsides,” a villager pointed out and suggested that the panchayat could chalk out a plan to ensure that waste from all households is collected.
The villagers also demanded that the panchayat should also begin collecting wet waste as well. They also requested MLA Borkar to come up with a plan so that wet waste is collected in all seven panchayats of St Andre constituency, which is not happening at the moment.
A resolution was also adopted to install a gate at the Siridao beach to ensure that the tourists and visitors do not take their vehicles on the beach.
The fishermen, who wanted access to the beach, were promised that they would be given a key of the gate lock so that they could freely gain access to the beach to continue their fishing activities.
