Team Herald
PANJIM: It’s been two weeks since their water supply stopped, but there is no respite for the residents of Vodlem Bhat and Borbhat in Taleigao as the Public Works Department (PWD) has still not managed to locate the point where the piped water is getting contaminated. This has left households dependent on expensive private water tankers, with no resolution in sight.
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After residents reported receiving contaminated water and complained, the PWD initiated an investigation to trace the source of contamination. Segments of the old pipeline were cut and replaced to stop the contamination, but water supply to large parts of the affected areas remains disrupted.
Speaking to O Heraldo, Felix Almeida, a resident of Vodlem Bhat, expressed his frustration: “For the last 10 days I have been purchasing tanker water. One tanker costs about Rs 800 and lasts for around three to four days. I have already used up water from three tankers after the water supply was stopped. Initially, we were getting contaminated water but now the water supply has been stopped completely. We do not know when this issue will be resolved.”
Another resident, who requested anonymity, highlighted the residents’ growing anxiety. “After the incident of contamination we are in fear now. We have already changed our water filter. Earlier we were getting water for around 30-45 minutes, but now that too has stopped. We have not got water from tankers sent by PWD. What is worse is that the elected representatives from the area do not bother to visit us. We are without water for around 13 days now,” the resident said.
Some locals have also questioned the cause of the contamination, suggesting damaged pipelines as the likely culprit. “The pipeline has been changed, but connections have not been given to us. I’ve heard that it will take more time before we start getting water,” said Victor Cardinho, another affected resident.
Responding to the concerns, a senior PWD official told O Heraldo that supply to Borbhat is expected to resume by the end of the week. “The water supply was stopped after the residents complained of receiving contaminated water. The work of replacing the pipeline started May 1. In Vodlem Bhat, supply to some houses has been restored from Saturday, May 10, while some individual connections are yet to be completed. Supply to Borbhat will most likely start by Friday, May 16,” the official said. According to the department, there are approximately 450 individual water connections in the affected area.
