SANGUEM: Considering the grave problems faced by the villagers residing at Molcoppon ward of Malkarnem village panchayat in Sanguem constituency, Sanguem MLA Prasad Gaonkar along with locals met the Executive Engineer and other officials at the Water Supply Department Quepem.
The MLA who was accompanied by panchayat members Shashikant Gaonkar, Ramesh Gaonkar, ex panchayat member Josinho D’costa, directed the officials to work towards finding an immediate solution to the water problems faced by the residents of Molcopon since the last four days. Gaonkar warned the officials of severe consequences if the issue is not rectified.
It may be recalled that the villagers of Molcopon have been facing shortage drinking water shortage since the last four days. The issue came into limelight only after the villagers lost their patience and came on the main road in the village with empty utensils to highlight the issue.
Gaonkar informed the Water Supply Department officials that the pipeline has become old and is susceptible for frequent damages.
Incidentally, the frequency of breakdowns has increased during the tenure of the Sanguem MLA. Pointing out that it has already burst three times in the recent past; Gaonkar demanded that the old pipeline be replaced with a new one urgently.
Gaonkar added that he has already forwarded a detailed report on the new pipeline to be laid in the village to the Water Supply Department, Quepem but that the department has failed in initiating any action in the matter.
Gaonkar also pressed for the construction of the new water tank in the village, which is in a dilapidated condition.
He claimed that the tank is damaged beyond repairs and that the construction of the new water tank is a must.
“Till the time of the construction new water tank, the department could procure two sintex tanks to regulate the water supply in the village,” he added.
Ex Sarpanch Kushali Gaonkar blamed the department’s line staff for the frequent breakdowns in the water pipeline supply drinking water in the village. Gaonkar alleged that they release the water with full pressure leading to a situation where the old pipeline bursts.
“The line staff does not understand the capacity of the weak pipeline while releasing the water with full pressure,” Gaonkar added.
Ex Panchayat Member Josinho D’costa threatened to lead an agitation to the Water Supply Department, Quepem if the issue is not addressed soon.
Meanwhile, the officials of the Water Supply Department Quepem sought eight days time to complete the repair work of the damaged pipeline in the village. “Till that time, temporary arrangements will be made to regulate water supply in the village,” said Junior Engineer Adarsh Dessai.
The MLA also visited the site where the repair work on the damaged pipeline was underway. He made arrangements for the desired machinery for undertaking the repair work on war footing.
Meanwhile sources in the Water Supply Department at Quepem informed that the water supply will be restored on Wednesday evening.
