PANAJI
The way ahead for resolution of the Sonsodo garbage conundrum continues to be vexed as Minister for Waste Management Atanasio Monserrate on Thursday said that a decision would be taken on how to deal with the health hazardous dump only after a decision is made by the local municipal body, the Margao Municipal Council.
Monserrate also said that the Bainguinim garbage management plant, whose setting up has been prolonged for a while, would be taken up next, while adding that the plant in Cacora in South Goa would be ready for operations by next month-end.
"We are doing certain work as far as Sonsodo is concerned, to clear the waste which has already accumulated. That work has been entrusted to us. Tender has been given and the work is carrying on," Monserrate told reporters here.
"This Tuesday, I will be going for an inspection to Sonsodo. I have spoken to the concerned MLAs because their presence is very important so we can understand that. It comes under Urban Development also. It is the duty of the municipal body to decide what they want to be done. Let them take a call on it," he further said.
The Revenue Minister also suggested that more garbage treatment plants may be superfluous to Goa's requirement, especially with the garbage handling capacity of the plant at Saligao upgraded to 250 tonnes per day.
"We have already increased the capacity of Saligao from 150 to now they have made it to 250. We should not fall short as far as garbage is concerned. Because in the agreement it is there that we require 250 tonnes of garbage everyday," Monserrate said.
"If we do not generate that much garbage, we still have to pay for that. We are more dependent as far as capacity is concerned on the tourism sector. I believe that the coastal belt is where more wet garbage is generated," he added.
The Minister also said that the garbage treatment plant at Cacora was most likely to be "ready by next month".
Speaking about the upcoming garbage management project at Bainguinim, Monserrate said that the Ministry had only received a single tender so far in its third attempt to finalise an agency to construct the facility.
