Sewage chambers overflow with rainwater in CurchoremCondition Of Roads Further Deteriorates

Margao: The ongoing underground sewerage project in Curchorem is facing problems, with manholes and inspection chambers overflowing with rainwater despite the system not yet being commissioned.

This situation has led to locals raising questions about the quality and standards of construction while laying the sewer lines.Times News NetworkThe ambitious sewerage project, which has been under construction for nearly three years, involves extensive laying of sewer lines throughout the town. The haphazard road excavation, which created hazardous conditions for road users, has already drawn widespread public criticism.

Since the onset of the monsoon, manholes and inspection chambers at several locations are overflowing with rainwater, with some spouting water like fountains.The overflowing manholes and inspection chambers have added to the already deteriorated condition of the roads. Locals pointed out that the situation now posed increased safety risks to all road users, creating treacherous conditions for motorists and pedestrians alike.

“The sewerage project in Curchorem is a classic example of poor planning,” said Sanjay Dessai, a Curchorem resident and college professor. “Sewer lines were laid two to three years before construction of the sewage treatment plant even began. The frequent damage to manholes and inspection chambers only translates to hefty contractor bills paid with taxpayers’ money, yet there is no accountability.”He said that with Margao’s sewerage project, built using similar technology, still facing numerous issues, the Curchorem project failed to inspire public confidence in its long-term viability.

“A proper feasibility study should have been conducted before executing the project,” he added.Another local said, “If such problems surfaced before the system is even operational, it raises serious doubts about what the conditions might be like once the sewerage system is fully commissioned and in regular use.”Meanwhile, amid a raging controversy over the violation of environmental rules, the Goa State Pollution Control Board and the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority have scheduled a joint inspection of the under-construction sewage treatment plant at Curchorem on Monday.