Tail-end village goes days without supply as officials and political leaders pass the buck
MAPUSA
Residents of Anjuna, particularly those in the elevated locality of Zorvaddo, continue to grapple with irregular water supply, a long-standing issue that has sparked frustration among locals and exposed apparent gaps in political coordination and public service delivery.
The problem is especially severe in Zorvaddo, which is situated at the tail-end of the water distribution network and at a higher altitude, making it more vulnerable to pressure fluctuations.
While the issue affects much of Anjuna, residents of Zorvaddo claim they often go days without a drop of water.
Adding to the complexity is the fact that many residents live in houses allegedly built illegally on comunidade land, raising questions about their entitlement to government services.
However, locals argue that water is a basic human necessity, irrespective of land status.
“We are all facing the problem of irregular water supply in the coastal village. The situation is a little more precarious at Zorvaddo because it is at an elevated site. Connections are blindly given to hotels and commercial units, inconveniencing the locals,” said Pradeep Harmalkar, a resident of Anjuna.
The Public Works Department (PWD) has been supplying water tankers to some of the affected households, but alleged political differences are reportedly interfering with consistent tanker distribution.
“We are not concerned whether the houses are illegal or not. People are staying there and have had water connections for years. Water is a basic necessity, and on humanitarian grounds, they are bound to get drinking water,” said Parvati Nagvenkar, a social worker and Congress office bearer.
Nagvenkar said she, along with local residents, recently met PWD engineers and demanded restoration of regular water supply within ten days, warning of a public protest if their demand is not met.
However, local panchayat member Pratima Govekar downplayed the severity of the crisis, asserting that she has been working with PWD officials to arrange water tankers for the affected households. “I have been using my good offices with the PWD officials and supplying water tankers in the area. If anyone is having a problem, they should contact me. If they don’t, how will I know they have no water? I am ready to help,” Govekar said.
“These people want to make a show. I have no problem. If they come to me, I’m ready to help them,” she added.
While political representatives trade blame and defend their positions, the residents of Zorvaddo continue to suffer.
