MARGAO, FEB 23
Solar powered illumination will soon become a reality in the Commercial Capital.
Work on erection of solar panels has begun around the Margao Municipal building as part of the joint project between the Margao civic body and the Goa Energy Development Agency.
As per the understanding, around 50 solar powered lamps will be erected in the city – 12 around the municipal building and 38 lamps inside the municipal garden.
MMC Chairperson Savio Coutinho said the cost of the erecting the solar lamps will be shared equally by the civic body and the Goa Energy Development Agency.  “The civic body would contribute Rs 6.94 lakh, while an equal amount would be chipped in by the GEDA”, he said.
So far, the MMC has received 12 solar lamps and the entire lot would be received for installation by next month.
On the question of maintenance, Coutinho said that the company entrusted with the installation of the lamps will look after the maintenance for two years, after which the Civic body would work out a mechanism and tie up with a private party.