Cries from Siolim: First, their trees were cut, now their throats are dry

ASSAGAO: Siolkars reeling under the onslaught of unauthorised and illegal rampant tree felling, are fighting their local battles with parched throats as many areas in the village face severe water shortage in the peak summer season. However, ironically, PWD officials claim that all is well. 

The worst hit ward is Bamon Vaddo, especially the area near the St Francis Xavier High School, where trees were recently illegally cut for road widening.

Residents claim that water from their wells cannot be used for drinking as it has been contaminated by septic tanks of the housing projects.

Last month, while the underground cabling work was being done, like in most places, the water pipelines in Siolim were ruptured and people had to go without water for some days. Although the PWD officials claim that the pipelines are repaired, the situation has not improved, with many consumers getting just a trickle of water while some not getting water at all.

PWD Assistant Engineer (water supply) Randhir Ashtekar told O Heraldo that all disruptions, particularly in Bamon Vaddo-Siolim have been rectified and that normal water supply have been restored. 

Ashtekar confirmed that the pipelines were damaged during the underground cabling work but were quickly attended to and water was restored.

However, local consumers beg to differ. Senior citizen Alex Fernandes, 79, who lives with his wife next to the St Francis Xavier High School, while stating that they solely depend on tap water, complained that they have not been receiving water for the past six days. 

“We are elderly and have to depend on tap water fully. It is extremely unfortunate that at the peak of summer, we have no water. Some of our friends from other parts of the village bring water for us in cans. Despite complaints, no action has been taken,” Fernandes said.

When contacted, Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo said that she had “already spoken to the PWD engineers and instructed them to see that people get regular water”.

The Headmaster of St Francis Xavier High School, Fr DilipTete, informed that the school was also facing a terrible water shortage and despite bringing it to the notice of the local MLA nothing had happened, except the fact that she arranged for water tankers. 

“The water problem should be solved from the root; providing water tankers is a temporary solution,” Fr Tete said while adding that the school has been facing the problem for the last many days and so far no solution has been found.

He also informed that whenever he called for water tankers to provide water to them he had to pay Rs 1,000 per tanker. 

“This is very ridiculous. The government is failing in its duty to provide Har Ghar Jal and we have to pay an exorbitant charge for water tankers,” said Fr Tete.

Local panch member Amit Morajkar said that he was “unaware of the situation” and was “under the impression that people were getting regular water”. He, however, assured to look into the matter and ensure that water will be supplied to those not getting water supply.

Gregory D’Souza, who also lives in the area, said the situation was due to improper water management and “probably also some mischief being played by the local lineman”. 

“There is no proper water management. When water is being supplied to domestic consumers there is always low pressure, but the same lines supplying water to hotels and megaprojects do so with sufficient pressure. The performance of the local lineman needs to be checked,” D’Souza said. 

He also informed that a few days back after he had written to the Chief Engineer, the officials had visited Siolim and had recommended some corrective steps, but the situation hadn’t yet improved.

“The line operators need to ensure that proper supply with sufficient pressure is maintained,” he added.

Anthony D’Souza, a resident of Vaddy, said, “Our MLA should have given priority to solving the problem of acute water shortage in Siolim, instead, her husband was seen taking a personal interest in widening roads here.”

A housewife from Tarchibhat Irene Noronha complained that they had not getting water for over the last 12 days and locals have to move to the neighbouring wells and source contaminated water.

A local lineman named Kishore admitted that there was a low supply of water and preferred to pass the blame on to his seniors who he alleged were doing nothing.