MAPUSA
Residents of Anjuna, Assagao and Vagator have been facing a drinking water crisis for the past five days, with tap water supply remaining disrupted despite the ongoing monsoon.
Locals said water supply to Anjuna and Vagator has been irregular since last Saturday, with many households receiving water only on alternate days. Several families have been left without water for days, prompting residents to question why regular supply has failed even during the rainy season.
“We are facing severe hardship due to the irregular water supply. Even when water is supplied, the pressure is extremely low and the water is often muddy, making the situation worse. We have repeatedly demanded a regular and clean water supply, but the Department of Drinking Water (DDW) has failed to resolve the issue,” said local resident Reema Naik.
Residents also alleged that the newly laid water pipeline is of poor quality and has developed frequent leaks, resulting in water wastage and repeated disruptions in supply.
A DDW source in Mapusa said the problem initially occurred due to a malfunctioning valve at Assagao. Although the valve was repaired and supply resumed on Monday, low water pressure prevented water from reaching several areas.
“The situation becomes particularly difficult because these villages receive water only on alternate days. Any technical fault, therefore, results in a prolonged disruption. After the Assagao valve was repaired, another leakage was detected near Grand Chivar, close to the Vagator petrol pump,” the source said.
Residents further claimed that the Assagao Water Treatment Plant, set up to improve water supply in the Siolim constituency, has failed to deliver the expected benefits.
Instead, they said water pressure has reduced significantly since the plant became operational.
They also alleged that the new transmission pipeline laid around a year ago to carry treated water from the plant has suffered repeated bursts, leading to recurring shortages.
“The pipelines burst, repairs are carried out, and within a few days another section develops a leak. This cycle has continued for months, causing immense hardship to residents,” a local said.
Siolim DDW Assistant Engineer Osley Pais said the latest leakage had been repaired and water supply restored.
He acknowledged the recurring issue and said the department has initiated steps to replace the ageing pipeline network.
“The existing 30-year-old Asbestos Cement (AC) pipeline will be replaced with a new pipeline. The estimate has been prepared and submitted for expenditure sanction,” Pais said.
