Health dept questioned over technical knowledge for certification
PANAJI
Civic and Consumer forum – GOACAN has sought clarification from the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) on whether its officials have the technical knowledge to certify the stainless steel tanks on water tankers which are used in transportation of the potable water.
The clarification, through a letter to the DHS Director Geeta Kakodkar, was sought in connection with a public awareness notice issued by the Water Resources Department (WRD) on May 9 stating the “Water tanker should have a stainless steel water tank and has to be certified by the Directorate of Health Services & Ground Water Officer.”
GOACAN has asked the Director whether they have the technical know-how to certify these stainless steel water tanks and if so, which officials at the DHS will provide this certification. The query also seeks to know if this certification will also be done at the level of the Primary Health Centre, Urban Health Centre and Community Health Centre.
“If such certification is being done by the Health Officers without the necessary expertise or certification is not being done despite stated in the Ground Water Act 2002 & Rules 2003 then it would amount to deficiency of service under the Consumer Protection Act 2019,” GOACAN Co-ordinator Roland Martin said.
The Goa Ground Water Regulation Act 2002 and Rules 2003 under Rule 9(2) Form X points out a Declaration and Instructions which refers to the DHS issuing a No Objection Certificate on the suitability of the tanker for carrying potable water.
Moreover Rule 9(5) Form XI states that the licensee shall obtain a NOC from the DHS, every six months, on the suitability of the tanker for carrying potable water.
GOACAN has thus requested the Director DHS to do the needful in the interest of consumers whose health and public safety are at risk due to the current improper use of water tankers in the State in supplying potable water to consumers.
