MAPUSA
While the PWD had issued a public notice of supplying restricted water for consumers in Bardez for one day (October 12), most parts of Mapusa did not receive a drop of water for nearly two days now.
The most affected areas were Gaunsavaddo, Peddem, Duler, Shetya-vaddo, Ansabhat, Dattawadi, Khorlim, Carrasvaddo and Cunchelim.
Several other areas got water for just 10 minutes on Thursday (October 13), leaving residents fuming against the PWD officials.
“When they inform us that there will be restricted water, we expect supply at least for one hour or half an hour. But here we are without a drop of water. Why can’t they tell us the truth? If they had then we could have made alternate arrangements,” said Amita Khorjuvenkar, a resident of Duler.
“It’s a pity that despite receiving good rain we have to face the ignominy of going without water supply for two days. The department had announced restricted water for just one day but we have not received a drop of water for the second day running,” said Selvy Gomes of Carrasvaddo.
The residents also vented their anger against the government for failing to provide continuous water supply, but were prompt in hiking the tariff.
“When the citizens dutifully pay their water bills it’s the bounden duty of the government to provide proper service to the public. How can they get over with such criminal negligence,” asked Mrunali Naik, a housewife from Dattawadi, Mapusa
Last week, the water supply department of public works had announced restricted water supply for the entire Bardez and part of Bicholim taluka on account of installation of new electromagnetic flow meters for three different days “ on October 12, 18 and 28.
While the flow of water supply was reasonable in other parts of Bardez, Mapusa faced major water problems for two continuous days.
A PWD engineer informed that supply from Assonora water treatment plant was released with much less pressure due to the ongoing work to replace the flow meters.
“Although most parts of Bardez received water supply to some extent, several areas in Mapusa had to go without water due to the town’s typical topography. Since Mapusa is at higher altitude water cannot be pumped in the overhead tanks,” he said.
Sources informed that the PWD officials were trying to satisfy the consumers alternately by releasing water supply in some areas and depriving others.
