Daijiworld Media Network - Margao

Margao, Oct 20: In an unexpected twist, one of the newly-commissioned garbage compactors procured by the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) has developed a technical snag just three days after being launched and now lies stranded at the municipal garage awaiting repairs.

The three “state-of-the-art” compactors, costing Rs 1.41 crore and supplied by a Pune-based firm, were inaugurated by PWD Minister Digambar Kamat on Dussehra Day, October 2, in the presence of MMC Chairperson Damu Shirodkar, councillors, and officials.

However, within days of the ceremony, one vehicle malfunctioned. According to sources, after MMC alerted the company, a technician was sent from Pune to inspect the issue. The faulty unit has since been taken back to Pune for repairs, leaving the civic body to rely on its old compactors for garbage collection.

Municipal officials have questioned why no arrangement was made for emergency maintenance support within Goa. “The MMC cannot afford to keep a newly commissioned compactor idle for days. The company must either rectify issues immediately or partner with a local agency for quick service,” a civic official said.

The compactors, equipped with advanced leachate collection tanks, were hailed by Minister Kamat as a sign that the MMC was “moving towards technology.” But the early breakdown has raised concerns over quality checks and maintenance arrangements for costly civic infrastructure.