Water supply to continue in most parts of Quepem, Salcete
MARGAO
In a major relief to water consumers across Quepem and Salcete, the Public Works Department (PWD) has decided to carry out repairs of the old 160 MLD water pipeline only at Consua-Majorda without shutting down the Selaulim water treatment plant.
The PWD had proposed shutting down the Selaulim water treatment plant on May 5 and 6 to carry out repairs on the old line.
Senior PWD officials confirmed that instead of halting operations at the plant, the department will undertake repair work on the ageing 160 MLD water pipeline between Consua and Majorda. This revised plan ensures that large parts of Quepem and Salcete—extending up to Nuvem—will continue to receive regular water supply during the period.
“This decision has been taken to avoid widespread inconvenience to consumers. Water supply in Quepem and most parts of Salcete will remain unaffected,” a senior official stated.
However, the relief is not uniform across all regions. The department indicated that water supply will be disrupted in pockets such as Majorda, Verna and Mormugao taluka due to the ongoing pipeline repairs.
The official further added that the originally planned repair work at the Selaulim treatment plant has been postponed to a later date.
“Consumers in Quepem and Salcete can expect normal supply for now. The plant-related repairs will be taken up subsequently,” the official said.
Meanwhile, concerns have surfaced in coastal areas, particularly in Benaulim, where residents reported receiving water supply only in trickles since Monday morning. PWD officials attributed the issue to a minor pipeline breakdown that occurred late Sunday evening.
The situation has sparked anxiety among residents who had begun preparing for the anticipated shutdown. Rudolf Barretto, a resident of Benaulim, expressed frustration over the inconsistent supply.
“How are we expected to store water for the coming days when what we are getting now is barely a trickle?” Barretto questioned. “We have effectively had no usable water since morning. We hope the authorities act quickly to resolve this and ease the hardship faced by residents.”
PWD officials have assured that efforts are underway to address the pipeline issue affecting the coastal belt and restore normal supply at the earliest.
