Staff Reporter
Calangute
Despite Goa having no power cuts or load shedding, unlike neighbouring states, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday said people are reluctant to pay their dues, stating that the government bears a loss of Rs 2 per unit.
Speaking at the virtual foundation stone-laying ceremony for infrastructure projects worth Rs 100 crore in Calangute, Sawant said that the government’s responsibilities have expanded beyond roads, water, and electricity to include waste collection and sewerage management.
Sawant highlighted the government’s commitment to infrastructure development, emphasising the rising responsibilities of the state.”
“Earlier, it was just roads, water, and electricity, but now waste collection and sewerage management are also crucial. Despite Goa having no power cuts or load shedding, unlike neighbouring states, people hesitate to pay their dues. The government bears a loss of ₹2 per unit, yet timely payments are not made,” he said.
Sawant reiterated the importance of conti
nued investment in Goa’s coastal belt for tourism sustainability. “
“Goa is now compared with international tourist destinations. To attract decent tourists, cleanliness and security are essential. Tenant verification and health checks for labourers must be ensured for everyone’s safety,” he said.
He also called for a resolution to the ongoing taxi issue, while touching upon concerns regarding sewage treatment plants (STP) and garbage management.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday virtually laid the foundation stone for a new 33KV underground cable network, a 300mm diameter DI water pipeline, and road repair works.
The underground cabling project will extend from the 220/33KV GIS station at Saligao to the 33/11KV stations in Calangute, Nagoa, Badem and the proposed Baga
substation.
The event was attended by Saligao MLA Kedar Naik, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo, Calangute Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira, along with sarpanchas of Arpora-Nagoa, Candolim, Reis-Magos, Saligao, Nerul, Pilerne,
Sangolda, Zilla Parishad members, and panchayat representatives.
