Team Herald
MARGAO: After years of delays, the Colva Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) has finally received approval from the Power Department to enhance its power load, which will facilitate the much-needed commissioning of the plant at the earliest.
However, authorities, such as the PWD and Sewerage Infrastructure Development Corporation of Goa Ltd (SIDCGL), now face a new challenge: convincing local residents and businesses to connect to the new sewerage network.
The 7.5 MLD Colva STP has the capacity to treat a significant amount of sewage generated in the area. However, so far, only around 15-20 households have applied for sewerage connections, while the number of commercial establishments, such as hotels and restaurants, that have applied remains unclear.
Government officials say they have conducted awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of connecting to the new system. Yet, their efforts have met with a lukewarm response from the local and business community.
"We only hope the department now releases the sewerage connections now that the STP is commissioned," remarked a local hotelier, who claimed their application has been pending for months.
Judith Almeida of the Colva Consumer and Civic Forum (CCCF) has cautioned the authorities against rushing the commissioning of the plant, urging them to first audit the underground sewerage network and pumping stations to ensure there are no issues that could lead to sewage overflow. Almeida had previously fought for the creation of this system through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that was taken up by the Bombay High Court.