MAPUSA
Even as the PWD issued a notice warning of restricted water supply on February 27 and 28 in Bardez, parts of Mapusa and Porvorim went without water on Friday and Saturday leaving the parched residents fuming.
The locals were more shocked and upset as the supply was cut off without issuing any warning.
Poor management of water supply has also led to irregular supply to several areas in Mapusa putting the residents in great hardship.
“The citizens should be made aware of the timings if there is a shutdown so that they are prepared and make alternate arrangements. Or else they have to keep waiting for water supply. If the timings are changed or there are some exigencies then people should be informed. Now, with social media it’s much easier to disseminate information,” said Eric Gomes, a resident of Peddem, Mapusa.
“The PWD is known for carrying out unplanned and haphazard works. At least we expect better service from the government by ensuring regular water supply. We have been paying our bills regularly yet the department prefers to give us a shock by cutting the supply suddenly,” said Seema Nagvenkar, a housewife in Mapusa.
Besides Mapusa, several parts of Porvorim also did not get regular supply inconveniencing the residents from the constituency.
“Goans and moreover Porvorkars are wondering whether PRAWAH will get us our rightful quota of water or make us padisher for water in days to come. No PWD water supply for Porvorim today,” said Oswald Pinto, a resident of Porvorim.
Shockingly, officials in the PWD appeared confused on what the real problem was. A senior PWD official informed that there were issues with the water treatment plant at Assonora which could not pump adequate water therefore some areas had to go without supply.
However, Shambu Malvankar, Executive Engineer PWD (water) informed that the power department had to take an emergency shutdown due to some issue at the Tivim sub-station.
“The power department had taken a shutdown on Friday that is why some areas in Mapusa and Porvorim did not get water supply. But it must have been normalised by today (Saturday) evening,” Malvankar said.
