Alto Betim locals march to PWD office over water woes
THE GOAN NETWORK
PORVORIM
Residents of Kumerwada“Alto Betim marched to the PWD Water Supply Division at Goa Housing Board in Alto Betim on Saturday, to demand an explanation for the lack of water supply since the last 10 days.
The angry residents who confronted PWD Water Supply Division Assistant Engineer S R Belgaonkar also complained that they have been hit by erratic water supply since the last six months.
Riyaz Sheikh and Satyabhama Raul informed Belgaonkar that residents in the area had not received a drop of water since October 4. They claimed that they have been forced to survive on water procured through private tankers at exorbitant rates.
To make matters worse, there is no well in the area since their houses are located at a higher altitude.
The residents demanded that the PWD look into the matter seriously and resolve their grievance immediately.
After listening to the aggrieved residents, Belgaonkar explained that Alto Betim receives water from the Assnora water treatment plant.
“Since it is located at the tail-end and at a higher altitude, houses in Alto-Betim do not receive water at the required pressure,” said Belgaonkar.
“It is for this reason the Public Works Department has decided to lay two separate 110 mm water pipelines at a cost of Rs 9 lakh for Kumarwado and Walkeshwado. The tenders for these works will be released soon. One these works are completed, the water problem will be resolved,” he added.
As an immediate solution, Belgaonkar assured to arrange 2 water tankers immediately and directed the junior engineer to regulate water supply at Alto “Betim to ensure that residents get water for two hours each day.
