Valpoi: In a major blow to the people of Sattari, the PWD’s water division disconnected water supply to around 100 houses over non-payment of water bills on Tuesday. 28th February was the last day to settle the pending dues under OTS (One Time Settlement) scheme and there was a major crowd to do the same at Valpoi water division office.
The department had undertaken work of disconnecting the water supply over the last four days as the consumers failed to pay the bills despite issuing notices multiple times. It’s only after the supply was disconnected, people rushed to the office to pay the bills. However, the pending bills were directed to be paid through online medium only. As the consumers did not pay their bills online either, their connections were cut short and it is not sure if and when the supply will be restored.
Some of the consumers have requested for the extension of the deadline.
Meanwhile, when contacted, the Valpoi water division’s revenue department said that the notices were issued to the ones whose bills amounted to a high amount and water supply connections were cut short as they did not respond to the notice.
“The defaulters were asked to pay their bills online and there was a chaotic atmosphere at the office. The deadline to clear the arrears was till February and if the government does not extend it, the possibility of restoring the connections is low,” said one of the officials.
