Panaji, September 30, 2018 …… The Government of Goa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Portugal for Proposed Technical Cooperation Partnerships for Water Supply and Waste Water Management in Goa, at a function held in the city in today.
Terming the MOU as a significant step between the Government of India and the Republic of Portugal, the Minister for Public Works Department (PWD), Shri. Ramkrishna alias Sudin Dhavalikar, said, “It has been my earnest endeavour to develop modern infrastructure under sustainable development. The signing of the MOU is the consolidation of a true partnership and we shouldn’t miss out this opportunity for sustainable development. I am confident that we shall achieve this target and all objectives within the prescribed period,” he added.
Shri. Dhavalikar informed further, “We have agreed and desire to implement the project of assessment of existing Salaulim Water Supply and Opa Water Supply projects. Decentralize Sewerage Treatment Plant on a pilot basis in Valpoi town of North Goa so also to study on the removal of manganese in Salaulim Water Supply System apart from capacity building.”
The Minister of Environment, Portugal, Shri. Joao Pedro Matos Fernandes said, “Portgual is committed to cooperation with India.” Shri. Fernandes added, “We have nothing to teach. We have nothing to sell to you. But we have things to share. It is important to share our knowledge with friends from other parts of the world.” Shri. Fernandes spoke of how Portugal had these same problems of water and waste water management decades ago.
Chief Secretary, Shri Dharmendra Sharma, IAS, informed that the MOU sets a framework for cooperation. He said, “This is the foundation stone he said for cooperation in other sectors to follow with Portugal.”
Executive Administrator of Aguas De Portugal, Ms. Alexandra Serra, Vice- President of the Portuguese Environment Agency, Shri. Pimenta Machado, Bastonary of the Order of Engineers, Shri. Mineiro Aires, Administrator of the Visabeira Group, Major Portuguese Engineering Enterprises, Dr. Joao Castro, Consul General of Portugal, Goa, Shri. Antonio Chrystelli Tavares, were among those present on the occasion.
Earlier, Principal Chief Engineer, PWD, Shri. Uttam Parsekar gave an overview of the MOU. Shri. Sheo Pratap Singh, IAS, Secretary, (PWD), proposed the vote of thanks. Ms. Rina Barreto compered the programme.
