MARGAO: In a shocking revelation it has come to light that the rainwater leakage into the sewage network due to poor construction has caused sewage chambers to overflow in Salcete taluka, posing health risks.
The residents have raised concerns about public health and sanitation due to overflowing sewage chambers and sewage water on roads and gutters in Margao, Navelim, and nearby villages.
The residents have urged the authorities to address infrastructure maintenance and capacity issues within the sewage network.
Despite being highlighted, the sewage corporation’s failure to resolve the problem has severely affected the lives of residents residing in Margao, Navelim, and Arlem, making it difficult for them to even enter their houses.
They have demanded urgent action to mitigate health hazards and improve their living conditions.
Rosario Colaso, a resident of Arlem, said that the sewage chamber in front of his house continues to overflow, despite multiple requests to the authorities to repair it. “It seems that the corporation is unable to find the fault and hence, cannot carry out the repair work,” claimed Rosario,
Criticising the authorities and accusing them of carrying out substandard works on the sewage network, another resident Savio Coutinho, said, “The main reason for the sewage chambers overflowing are leakage in the network, indicating substandard work during the initial installation of the network.”
He accused the department and the government of not taking serious note of the issue, warning that it could lead to health hazards.
Coutinho pointed out that the sewage overflow, combined with rainwater, poses a serious risk as it can contaminate the environment and potentially lead to waterborne diseases.
Johnny Monteiro, another citizen, demanded that the government find a permanent solution to the problem of overflowing sewage chambers and avoid resorting to short-term fixes.
Jose Mascarenhas, an engineer in the sewage corporation, refused to comment when O Heraldo sought his reply on the issue. “We are not supposed to talk to the media,” he replied.
A retired PWD engineer said that the main reason for the sewage overflow issue is leakages in the network, which allow rainwater to enter. He said the corporation should address these leakages on priority and that the department needs to find a solution to plug the leakages.
