Velim MLA Cruz Silva interacts with residents of Baida in Chinchinim village.
MARGAO
Residents of Baida in Chinchinim village have complained of water scarcity, claiming they have been receiving water only in trickles.
What has made the residents wonder is the fact that they are facing water scarcity when the hillock plays host to a water tank and a pumping station on the ground.
Realization, however, dawned on the residents during an inspection conducted by Velim MLA Cruz Silva with PWD officials on Wednesday that the water tank is no longer put to use to supply water to the households. The inspection further revealed that the water pump installed on the ground has been taken away for reasons best known to the department officials.
A woman, Lourisinha Periera, pointed out that the residents in the past used to burn midnight oil to store water since the area used to receive water only in trickles. She said the issue was somewhat resolved around a decade ago, only to resurface again now.
Residents approached the Velim MLA Cruz Silva for help to ensure that they received proper water pressure like other residents of the constituency.
Taking cognisance of the requests of the residents, the MLA along with the PWD Junior Engineer inspected the water supply facilities at Baida, only to realise that though the area has water storage and supply logistics in place, they were not put to use all these years.
“We have come across a water pump which is not in working condition. The water tank on the hillock is also not put to use for the supply of water. I think the water issue plaguing Baida can be overcome by repairing and restoring these logistics,” Cruz told the media.
He said the PWD Junior Engineer has promised to move a note to repair the water pump and to put the water tank to use for the benefit of the residents, who have experienced water scarcity over the last few days.