MARGAO: There have been acute inconveniences caused to thousands of residents for last more than two years due to inadequate water supply.
Areas of Pedda, Khareband, Sirvodem, Sarvodem, Chichal, Calcondem and Malbhat (Apollo Hospital) in Margao have been facing this problem without uttering a word for last two years. Now the people have got tired and have decided to fight for water. Councillor Ketan Kurtarkar and RTI activist Sriram Raiturkar have taken the initiative to help the people.
In pursuance of the same, they have written to PWD Executive Engineer handling the work, to direct the contractor to complete the long pending work within 15 days so that water supply is provided for 24×7 to the above residents failing which they have warned of massive agitations.
Ketan Kurtarkar said, “In January 2017, it was informed that thousands of residents of Pedda, Khareband, Sirvodem, Sarvodem, Chichal, Calcondem & Malbhat (Apollo Hospital) in Margao are getting inadequate water supply for last more than two years. It was also informed that actual fault for inadequate water supply is not due to Works Division IX, Water supply, Monte Hill but due to non-completion of contract awarded to M/s Vlshwa-ECL(JV) Hyderabad, for construction of transmission mains, distribution mains which includes areas of, Margao.”
“During a joint site inspection in February 2016, along with your officials, the contractor and his technical staff, it was informed by the contractor that the work of transmission/distribution mains was not completed at four points in Margao namely opposite Babu Naik house, Electricity Department, Railway over bridge and Rawanfond circle. The contractor had agreed to complete the pending works within 10 days, but since then two months have elapsed, the contractor has not even started the pending work causing inconveniences to the residents,” Raiturkar said.
The people have warned of stir if the work is not done and relief is not given as soon as possible. The authorities have claimed that they are on the job and by April 5 would stop water at Selaulim and connect the JICA funded pipeline to the dam water and in two more days restore water supply.
