MARGAO: Expressing deep concern over the flow of sewage in open areas, authorities have initiated the disconnection of water supply to nearly 195 households in the Ramnagari Co-operative Housing Society in Mugali, Sao Jose de Areal. However, residents are pleading for a reprieve, citing ongoing efforts to address the sewage issue. Disconnection notices issued by the Curtorim Primary Health Centre (PHC) could impact around 800 residents, prompting them to request authorities to reconsider the action on humanitarian grounds.
Residents assert that significant progress has been made towards resolving the sewage problem, with work in its final stages.
Vivek Naik, who lives in the society, emphasised that the only viable solution is to provide sewage connections to these households on priority. “We have applied for sewage connections but as the compilation of sewage pipelines has not been done, residents are unable to get the connection to the main network,” he added.
Despite residents’ pleas to stop water disconnections, authorities on Thursday maintained that the issued order cannot be revoked. Residents have demanded that the government make alternative water supply arrangements.
The Ramnagari Co-operative Housing Society members said that the premises were acquired in 1994-95 with the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Health Officer at the Curtorim PHC. Completion orders and Occupancy Certificates were subsequently issued after the developer assured compliance with approved plans, including the construction of soak pits and septic tanks.
Expressing frustration over the three decade-long struggle, society members earnestly request a directive to the Sewerage and Infrastructure Development Corporation of Goa Ltd. (SIDCGL) to refrain from disconnecting essential water services until their sewer network is linked to the main public sewerage line. Naik said the residents are seeking legal advice to determine the next course of action.
The housing society has been grappling with wastewater overflow issues, which have left other villagers upset. Additional soak pits and septic tanks were constructed, but the problem persisted due to the rocky soil. Connecting their sewer network to the main public sewerage line remains the recommended solution by experts.
