Team Herald
MARGAO: People of Ilha-De-Rachol, and surrounding areas expressed frustrations over the hefty water bills, and demanded immediate relief.
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Speaking to media, they claimed that several residents of the locality have received water bills from Rs 8000 to Rs 11000 for the period of six months. Earlier they used to pay the bill of Rs 1000 monthly.
Stephen Vas charged the government of fooling them completely.
“Many households from this locality got hefty water bills, and now they are in trouble to pay the amount, which is too much for us. I am unable to pay this amount,” said Vas.
He even claimed that the bill is not correctly calculated, but the officials at the department are forcing them to pay it now, and will inquire into it later.
“How can the government say they will give free water? On the contrary the amount has been increased in double,” he further said.
While another lady, named Maria Fernandes, also claimed that she has received the water bill of Rs 1500 whereas earlier she used to get a bill of only Rs 200 per month.
Herculano Gomes said this is unacceptable and they have short of money to pay these hefty bills.
“The scheme declared by the government pertaining to free water is totally farce. This is a burden on us, and now we are in a confused state to pay the bills,” he stated.
Piedade Palmeira, an old lady from the same locality also said that there is no bread earner in this family, and they have no money to pay the bill which is more than Rs 10,000.
A few days back several locals from other parts of Salcete had also expressed anger over hefty waters bills issued by the Public Works Department, that too for the period of nearly six months.
