MAPUSA
The Rs 131 crore underground power cabling project for Mapusa has failed to see the light of the day despite getting a go-ahead from the electricity department, even as the town continues to witness frequent power outages almost every single day.
Despite preparing the estimates and obtaining sanction to convert the 33KVA high tension (HT) power line from overhead to underground cabling two years ago, the work has failed to take off for reasons best known to the power department.
Power Minister Nilesh Cabral has informed that the work of conversion of HT power line from overhead to underground cabling for Mapusa and surrounding areas was estimated at Rs 131.83 crore and even tendered.
“The work has been tendered but the work order has not been issued yet. We have currently put it up to the Goa State Works Board (GSWB). The GSWB’s last meeting was held on July 16 and we are waiting for the minutes of the meeting,” Cabral said.
He also informed that work for conversion of overhead ACSR Racoon conductor to HTLS conductor of 33KV Mapusa-I and Mapusa-II feeders from 220/110/33/11KV sub-station to 33KV Mapusa sub-station was estimated at Rs 20.32 crore.
This work has also been tendered and awaits the GSWB nod.
However, two other works proposed by the power department at Rs 11.88 crore have been taken up and are currently in progress.
Work of proposing of 2x10MVA, 33/11KV indoor type substation along with associated equipment at Karrasvaddo, Mapusa at a cost of Rs 9.77 crore and estimate for providing additional 10MVA power transformer at 33/11KV substation at Mapusa along with associated equipment at Rs 2.11 crore were presently in progress.
