PANAJI: The state government has finalised the construction of two new water treatment plants - one at Maisal-Panchawadi in Ponda taluka and the other at Ganjem-Ambeshi in Bicholim taluka. Both the schemes are designed to supply water to the interior areas of these two talukas.

While the PWD has already tendered the work of the 10-MLD, 50 crore Maisal project, the tendering of the 25-MLD, 111 crore Ganjem project will be done shortly. PWD sources said both projects are expected to be completed within a period of three years. Both the projects include construction of the water treatment plants, pipelines and reservoirs.

The 10-MLD Maisal plant will benefit consumers in Borim, part-Shiroda, Durbatt, Talolim, Vaddy, Bethora, Kodar and part-Bhandora. Though originally the cost of the Maisal plant was estimated at 22.71 crore, it has now been revised to 50 crore. Of this, 9.47 crore will be borne by the central government.

The 25-MLD Ganjem plant will benefit consumers in Pale, Cotambi, Surla and Velguem in Bicholim taluka; Vanttem and Guleli in Sattari taluka; Pillem and Dharbandora of Sanguem taluka; Usgao, Ganjem, Vengurmen, Savoi-Verem, Volvoi and Keri in Ponda taluka. The Ganjem project is estimated to cost 111 crore of which, the centre will pay 19.25 crore.

These Maisal and Ganjem water treatment plants will be new additions to Goa's existing 8 water treatment plants. These are Selaulim, Canacona, Assonora, Opa, Sanquelim, Padosem, Dhabose and Chandel. While the Assonora water treatment plant has just been augmented by another 50 MLD, there are plans to augment the Selaulim water treatment plant in South Goa by another 110 MLD.