Armed with pots, commode, Cong stages stir in Mapusa

MAPUSA
Blaming authorities for the acute water shortage in Mapusa since the last 10-15 days, Congress leaders and workers carried pots and toilets as part of a morcha outside the PWD water supply office in Mapusa on Thursday.

Congress North Goa President Vijay Bhike, General Secretary Bholanath Ghadi Sakhalkar, Vice President Chandan Mandrekar, and others were present with pots, commode, vessels, water bottles and coconut shells as a sign of protest.

The Congress workers warned PWD Assistant Engineer Mahesh Kenawdekar and Junior Engineer Prajyot Naik of intensifying their protest if the issue was not resolved immediately.

"Water is one of the most basic requirements and people have to beg even for that basic need. Local MLAs are asleep while the problem keeps getting severe. Why should there be such shortage when Assonora water plant is purifying sufficient water," Vijay Bhike questioned the PWD officials.

He went to the extent of emptying a water bottle on his head and even tearing a copy of the letter sent by the PWD officers to senior officials, which was presented to him by the engineers.

Sudin Naik accused officials of pointing fingers at each other and shirking their responsibilities.

"Since the past one-and-half month, the PWD quarters itself has been receiving erratic water supply. There has been no improvement whatsoever despite complaints to officials concerned," said Jairam Gaad.

Assuring the agitators of an immediate resolution to the problem, PWD Assistant Engineer Mahesh Kenawdekar said they have written to senior officials regarding the issue.

“Limited pumping activity has affected the water supply. We have undertaken work to replace old pipelines with new ones and other measures to ensure consistent water supply will be taken soon,” said Kenawdekar.