----------------------------------------------------------------------- Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service & circulated by Goa Civic & Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Ph:2252660 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Understaffed PWD leaves Valpoi locals thirsty for 3 days! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The absence of a full-time PWD Assistant engineer, shortage of two junior engineers, disruption of electricity and a PWD generator under repairs.The result? No water supply to residents of Valpoi for three days.
According to sources, the taps went dry on Wednesday and the water was released only on Saturday.Unhappy residents pointed out that many representations were made to the PWD office, but no officer was present to entertain their grievances.
When Herald contacted the local PWD office (Water Supply), it was revealed that the Assistant Engineer, holds additional charge of Valpoi, attends to duties at Valpoi only twice a week. On the other days, he is at his present posting at Bicholim.
The post of a full-time AE is vacant, following the transfer of AE Kotariya about six months ago.Moreover, the post of two junior engineers are also vacant, since the past few years.The lone engineer Talikutti reportedly went to the site at the Dabose Water plant, leaving only clerical staff to face the wrath of angry residents at the PWD office.
Sources from the PWD office explained that the shortage of water was due to disruption in electricity. "However, they (PWD) could have used a generator, in the absence of proper electricity, and this would have reduced the hardships of the residents," insisted Valpoi Municipal Council vice-chairman Daud Ali Aga.
When contacted, Deputy Speaker and local MLA Narahari Haldankar admitted that the water supply problem could have been averted, had the PWD used its generator. "However, the PWD generator is under repairs," explained Haldankar, but warned that such a lapse by the PWD would not be tolerated in future. Haldankar also asked the VMC to begin cleaning of all public wells, as a preparatory step to tackle water scarcity, which could affect residents during summer.
Meanwhile, electricity department Assistant Engineer S Fernandes informed Herald that at least 25 trees at Rede-ghat at Valpoi fell on electricity lines during strong winds which hit Valpoi on Wednesday afternoon.
"Power supply was restored after 24 hours. Unfortunately, within restoration of power supply, another tree fell on the wires and power was shut down for another day," explained Fernandes.The clearing operation was done by the Valpoi Fire Services, Valpoi police and the electricity department.
Residents however complained that they were forced to consume untreated water from unused wells, due to acute shortage of drinking water. -------------------------------------- HERALD 21/10/03 page 5 --------------------------------------
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