MAPUSA
Mapusa’s long-delayed sewerage project is finally set to be commissioned by the end of February, bringing relief to residents after more than a decade of setbacks.
The sewerage corporation has started issuing both individual and commercial connections, marking a significant step towards the project’s completion.
The initial phase of the project will focus on Gaunsavaddo, which is in close proximity to the treatment plant. Subsequent phases will expand sewerage coverage to other parts of the town.
Project Director of the JICA-funded initiative, Nitin Neurekar, confirmed that all necessary tests of the sewerage treatment plant have been successfully conducted and that the plant is now operational. “We have started issuing connections and aim to commission the project by the end of February,” Neurekar stated.
One of the major challenges faced during the project’s implementation was excessive water flow from Acoi and Kamarkhazan due to the areas’ low water table. This technical issue made the sewerage system unfeasible in these locations, prompting the department to permanently shut down operations in the affected areas.
In December last year, the Public Works Department (PWD) decommissioned and sealed 36 manholes in these zones to facilitate progress in other areas. “By shutting down the problematic lines in Acoi and Kamarkhazan, we were able to focus on completing the rest of the project,” Neurekar explained.
According to Neurekar, the response from residents has been overwhelmingly positive, with many voluntarily coming forward to obtain sewerage connections. “We want to commence operations as soon as possible so that residents can start benefiting from the system,” he added.
Launched in 2013 at an estimated cost of Rs 152 crore, the Mapusa sewerage project was designed to lay 38 kilometres of sewer pipelines across the town. However, the project faced repeated delays due to operational setbacks, including failed trial runs, which prevented its timely completion.
Originally awarded to Simplex Infrastructures Ltd in 2012, the project has now overcome its major hurdles and is on track to be operational within the next few weeks.
