PANJIM: Stating the water-pipeline breakdown was due to negligence, PWD Minister Deepak Pauskar said that the water supply to Tiswadi and other areas would be restored by Monday or Tuesday evening.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function, Pauskar said the PWD officials knew that Curti-Khandepar line was a risk area.

“They knew it was a risk area as there were cracks but still they filled the mud and as a result it broke down,” he said.

Pauskar said the pipeline was very old and hence this breakdown has taken place.

“We will take precautionary measures in future so that such things do not recur,” he said.

Asked whether he would order inquiry, he replied, “The responsibility has to be fixed.”

On the resumption of water supply, he replied, “It could be as early as Monday or Tuesday evening.

“We understand people are suffering but certain things are beyond anyone’s reach and we are helpless,” he said.

Meanwhile, for the fourth consecutive day, the residents of Tiswadi including the those in the capital city were reeling under water crisis.

Though the PWD tankers were seen plying throughout the day in the localities, the supply were not enough.

Paresh Naik of Shankarwadi, Taleigao said the water supplied by the PWD is just not enough.

"We are hardly getting one or maximum two buckets as there are huge queues, " he said.

Dr Joe D’Souza from Panjim termed the PWD engineers as incompetent.

"The water supplied is not enough. Besides there are so many places where the tankers have not reached," he complained.

Another Panjim resident Shashank Prabhudesai said, “The crisis has brought back memories of 80’s and 90’s when people use to fight for water at public taps.

Some residents demanded that government declares holiday for schools and offices.

"We have no water to have bath or to cook, wash clothes and utensils. The government should declare holiday on Monday or till water supply is restored," said Megha Morajkar from St Inez.