the goan I network
VASCO
Overgrown bushes around valves of a water pipeline near the PWD water storage tanks at New Vaddem have been posing a danger to the PWD staff.
PWD staff have to open the valves in the wee hours of the day and these valves are sometimes not visible due to the overgrown bushes.
According to sources, some PWD employees had approached a councillor to clear the bushes around the valves, but nothing has been done in the matter.
A social worker, Vinod Kinlekar, has now taken up the issue and approached the PWD with a demand to cut the overgrown bushes around the valves immediately.
“New Vaddem is a hilly area and PWD usually pumps water in the wee hours like 2 am or 3 am. PWD staff have been complaining that the valves of the pipe cannot be see even during the day because of the overgrown bushes around the pipes.”
“Any person would not attempt to go near the valve even during the day, let alone at night. I wonder how PWD employees are willing to open the virtually hidden valves, especially since snakes are known to be moving in the area.”
“Some PWD employees had approached a councillor to get the overgrown bushes cut so that the valves are clearly visible. But despite efforts, the councillor did nothing. They then contacted me and I reported the matter to the PWD.
“If PWD staff refuse to open the valves due to safety reasons, residents can face water supply issues. We cannot blame the PWD staff as they cannot risk their lives. These bushes must be cut immediately by the PWD,” said Kinlekar.
When Contacted, PWD Assistant Engineer Eknath Paste said he had received a complain of overgrown bushes around the valves in new Vaddem area and assured to get the bushes trimmed immediately.
“We have decided to clear the overgrown bushes around valves in all areas. We have to get it cut since it is our property. We were waiting for rains to subside.”
“We have to safeguard the lives of our staff and we will get the bushes cleared in a few days time” said Paste.
