PANAJI
Minister for Drinking Water Subhash Phal Dessai on Monday admitted that the State currently lacks any mechanism to detect or prevent pilferage of water, resulting in a substantial revenue loss to the government.
Speaking in an interview with Prudent Media, Phal Dessai said nearly 40 per cent of water usage in Goa does not generate any revenue for the State.
He attributed this to three major issues: old and leaking pipelines, faulty meters, and pilferage through illegal tapping of the main pipelines for domestic, industrial, or construction purposes.
“There is absolutely no mechanism in the department to find out where the main pipeline is tapped. I am studying this issue to see how pilferage can be stopped. If we can plug these loopholes, we can save revenue and improve water supply to the people,” he said.
Despite these challenges, the minister reiterated his commitment to ensure at least 12 hours of uninterrupted drinking water supply to all Goans within one year.
He further promised that 40 per cent of the population would receive 18 hours of supply, while 25 per cent of households would have access to water round-the-clock.
Phal Dessai expressed confidence that the targets are achievable once the State secures an additional 25 per cent of treated water from various projects currently underway.
“This year, we are getting 325 million litres per day of additional water from treatment plants. Once these works are completed, we will be able to meet the increased demand and provide better service,” he said.
On the recent bifurcation of the Public Works Department (PWD) into two wings – one for roads and another exclusively for drinking water – the minister said the move would lead to better efficiency and accountability.
“When you break down large departments, the tasks are divided and responsibility increases, which gives better results,” he observed.
Asked about speculation that he was being considered for the post of Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Phal Dessai dismissed the reports.
“Nobody has asked me to be the Speaker – neither the party nor the chief minister,” he clarified.
