Team Herald
MAPUSA: The government’s “save water to get free water” scheme providing 16,000 litres of free water per month to each household has not gone down well with the Bardez residents, as several parts of the taluka received dirty water during Ganesh Chaturthi forcing them to purchase packaged water for cooking and drinking purposes.
It is pertinent to note that the water consumers from the taluka have been demanding that they be supplied with clean potable water on a regular basis.
“For more than a week, we have been receiving dirty water. We have been using packaged water for cooking and drinking purposes. Facing this situation during Chaturthi was not expected from the government”, complained Gitesh Mandrekar, a local.
“People don’t want free water but regular and clean water supply. People have been protesting and demanding regular water supply but till date the government has failed to provide us the same. Instead of free water, we will appreciate the government if it provides us with regular and clean water”, said Ashish Naik, another resident.
Calangute Constituency Forum president Premanand Diukar said, “Free water is nothing but an imaginary idea of political leaders to pacify the common man. During the month, taps remain dry for 20 days while for the remaining 10 days water supply is restricted for only two hours. However, despite this situation we receive hefty bills. Instead of providing 16,000 litres of free water, the government should create infrastructure to supply water round-the-clock and then talk about providing free water to the common man. The government should not fool them with freebies”.
Meanwhile, Assagao locals have raised concerns over the pathetic condition of the water tank in the village.
They claimed that the tank stinks and water is neither fit for consumption nor can be used for other purposes.
Chandan Mandrekar, a resident said, “The PWD employees have not inspected the tank for months. The tank is covered with plants. When I climbed and opened the tank, it was stinking which indicates that the same has never been cleaned. The concern department has completely turned a blind eye to it”, Mandrekar claimed.
