VALPOI
The PWD has finally outlined a plan in the form of a Rs 2 cr project for Sattari taluka, especially the villages of Shingne, Naneli and Shelpe, where treated water will be duly supplied. The action comes in response to complaints of water shortage and absence of toilet facilities in these areas. However, there has been no decision on the provision of toilet facilities as yet and many locals in these areas continue to defecate in the open.
The Rs 2 crore proposal was discussed at a special meeting convened by PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar in the presence of the health minister and senior PWD officials in Panaji on Wednesday.
The meeting discussed the ailments caused due to the poor water supply and absence of toilet facilities, which have led to locals defecating in the open and contaminating the water bodies.
It was pointed out that locals had recently begun using contaminated water from the tributaries for drinking purposes, after muddy water began to enter the borewells in the area. As a result, a large number of locals took ill.
Health officials later conducted awareness programmes in the affected villages and directed locals not to use water from the tributary for drinking and other purposes. As a temporary measure, the PWD also began supplying tanker water to the affected villages.
According to sources, the PWD is now planning a permanent solution and at the meeting it was proposed to lay a special pipeline from the Dabose treatment plant, which is about 10 km away.
"The project is estimated at Rs 2 crore and treated water will be supplied to the three villages. A water tank will be constructed at Shingne village. The PWD minister has directed local officials to prepare an estimate as early as possible and wishes to sanction this project before November 15," said the source.
Officials at the Valpoi PWD office have told The Goan that the estimate for the proposal will be made available within eight days.
Meanwhile, there has been no decision on provision of toilet facilities to the three affected villages, even though majority of houses in Nagargao panchayat lack toilet facilities. Many villagers had submitted applications for toilet facilities to the Nagargao panchayat, but their applications have not been sanctioned till date.
During his visit to the affected area, the health minister had assured locals that toilet facilities would be provided, but there has been no decision as yet.
"The government should take serious note of this matter as it pertains to the public health, else people will be forced to defecate in the open and the problem will be aggravated," said Gopal Gawas.
Meanwhile, some women were found using the tributary to wash their clothes, ignoring directives from health official not to use tributaries for washing or drinking purposes.
