SANGUEM
They may have parted with their land in Kurdi village for the Selaulim Dam, but the displaced residents who are now rehabilitated in Valkini Colony 1 in Sanguem since the last four decades are upset with successive governments for having failed to provide basic facilities in their adopted land.
The residents, who mainly hail from the Dhangar community, said they lack street lights, proper drainage system and Sulabh toilets in their area. They claim that around 90 per cent of residents in Valkini Colony No 1 are not financially capable enough to construct indoor washrooms and toilets, forcing them to answer nature’s call in open spaces.
“This has affected our living conditions and the situation is such that relatives even hesitate to visit our homes,” said a local, Bhago Natashe.
“During elections, politicians visit our houses and invariably assure to resolve our issues but after elections, they simply disappear and we are left to suffer in the same conditions. There has been no improvements in our overall living conditions,” he added.
Residents say their village lacks proper drainage system, leaving several area inundated during the rains.
Another villager said they had applied for Sulabh toilets but these are yet to be provided by authorities till date, despite the government’s declaration that Goa had been an Open Defecation Free State.
The villagers also complained about irregular water supply in the village.
“We are totally dependent on water pumped from the well and we face severe hardships when the pumps develop a technical snag. Then, we have to wait for days for the department to repair the pump or replace it with a new pump,” said a resident.
