Porvorim, Aug 10 (TOI): Former chief minister Digambar Kamat asked the government whether the solid waste management plant in Saligao was built for the benefit of the contractor or the people of the state while Curtorim MLA Aleixio Reginaldo Lourenco alleged it was a 400 crore scam.

Kamat raised the query during question hour in the assembly on Tuesday after it was revealed that the government would pay the contractor 350-400 crore over 10 years as equity and operational cost while the cost of setting up the plant was 149.95 crore.

Chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar said that the Saligao plant is the first of its kind in the country. "We have nothing to lose," Parsekar said, adding that the contractor has built it at his own risk. If it becomes dysfunctional before the completion of 10 years, it will be his responsibility entirely.

Earlier, minister for science and technology Alina Saldanha told the House during Question Hour that government expenses till date towards the plant has been nil, except for building a compound wall at the cost of 3.74 crore and the acquisition of land which cost 7.14 crore. The plant was built on the design-build-finance-operate- transfer (DBFOT) basis with 100% financing by the contractor, said Saldanha.
Saldanha added that Saligao plant can handle mixed waste and coastal panchayats are being educated on segregation of waste.

Lourenco alleged a 400 crore scam in the setting up and functioning of the Saligao garbage treatment plant.

"Manohar Parrikar was CM when the plant was conceived. He is responsible for the scam which involves overpaying the private company running the plant and overpriced setting up of the plant by GSIDC," Lourenco said.