In a confirmation of residents’ fears, bacteri ological tests conducted by the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) have found multiple water sources at the Prabhu Violetta res idential complex in Alto Dabolim contaminated with coliform organisms, officially declaring the supply unfit for human con sumption. The laboratory find ings, received on Tuesday, revealed contamination levels of 14 MPN/100 ml in samples collected from taps, the borewell and underground storage tanks. The samples were col lected by the Primary Health Centre (PHC), Cor talim on March 13, 16 and 17 and sent to the Environ mental and Pollution Con trol Wing of DHS, Panjim for analysis. The official confirmation now establishes what res idents had long alleged— that unsafe water lies at the heart of the health crisis unfolding in the building.
Even as the report exposes a serious lapse in ensuring potable water, the public health situation continues to de teriorate. A fresh case of diarrhoea was reported on Tues day, taking the total number of affected residents to 163 since the outbreak began last week. Several families have already vacated their flats, fearing further spread of infec tion within the complex. Instead of relief, residents say they are now grappling with an added crisis—restricted water supply. The builder, Prabhu Realtors, has imposed daily water cuts, citing sewage management constraints. As per notic es issued to flat owners, supply is being shut from 3 pm to 6 pm and from 9:30 pm to 6 am, severely disrupting basic household activities. Explaining the move, the builder stated that the sewage treatment plant (STP) under the Water Resources Depart ment (WRD), where waste is discharged, ceases operations at 6 pm, allowing only four tanker trips through the night. To avoid a possible overflow of sewage tanks, the builder said it was “compelled” to ration water usage temporarily, adding that the restrictions may continue for a week. However, for residents already battling a health emer gency, the explanation offers little comfort. “We are already dealing with a health scare, and now wa ter is not available when we need it. It has made things ex tremely difficult for families, especially those with children and elderly members,” the residents fumed. Medical teams continue door-to-door surveillance in the complex, though many flats remain locked as occupants have temporarily moved out. With cases continuing to rise and living conditions worsening, residents have urged authorities to step in with an immediate and sustainable solution, warning that the situation is fast spiralling out of control.
