With 29 of the 32 residential quarters at the Selaulim Water Treatment Plant (SWTP) in a deplorable condition and on the verge of collapse, the decision to repair and paint the compound wall makes little sense.
And when only three individuals employed at the SWTP have been residing in the three barely habitable quarters, the need to repair and paint the children’s park has further surprised locals residing near the residential quarters.
Speaking to Herald, some SWTP employees explained that the residential colony located about a kilometre away from the SWTP had been constructed about 15 years ago to provide accommodation for the staff employed at the Water Treatment Plant.
“The department had constructed 32 quarters, consisting of A-class quarters (18), B-class quarters (8) and C-class quarters (6). When the quarters were new, most of them were occupied by SWTP employees. Due to poor maintenance, the condition of the quarters deteriorated over time and now, only three quarters are being occupied and that too, by individuals,” said the employee.
“The condition of most quarters is such that they are inhabitable. Though the staff members utilizing these quarters had frequently pleaded with their superiors to repair the aging structures, their pleas were simply ignored. Left with no option, many of these employees were compelled to abandon the quarters and reside elsewhere in the area,” the employee added.
Another employee, who occupied the ramshackle quarters till a few years ago, said he had no option but to leave the residential premises.
“Authorities failed to undertake maintenance work when required. During monsoons, we were compelled to cover the roof tiles with tarpaulin to avoid seepage of rainwater inside the quarters. With the constant seepage of rainwater in the quarters, we had to live in constant fear that our electrical appliances could get damaged due to a short circuit,” the employee said.
Ever since most of these structures were abandoned, the 29 quarters have been surrounded with bushes. Rep, tiles and other wild animals are the new occupants in these quarters and they have been posing a constant threat to their three human neighbours.
Although only three individuals have been residing in the three quarters which are barely fit for habitation, the decision to spend huge amounts of money to repair and paint the compound wall surrounding the quarters and the children’s park in the area has baffled locals in the area.
Some have now alleged that a few contractors have taken advantage of the remote location and have succeeded in getting authorities to issue tenders to repair and paint the compound wall and the children’s park for personal benefits and at the cost of public funds.
During his visit to take ascertain the turbid water supply at the SWTP, Executive Engineer S R Paranjape was asked to justify the need to repair and paint the compound wall and the children’s park, when most of the quarters are abandoned and on the verge of collapse.
“The work to repair these residential quarters will also be undertaken soon,” said Paranjape.
Incidentally, when Paranjape visited the SWTP last week, local officials began the repair work of some quarters at the residential colony.
But with most residential quarters virtually in ruins, questions could soon be asked on the justification of public funds to repair these structures.
