PANAJI: Giving major thrust on water supply, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant today announced the formation of a dedicated department for Drinking Water, the subject that is being handled by the public works department till now.
Sawant said that the existing Public Works Department (PWD) will be split into two with the new department on water ensuring that consumers get at least 4 hours of Drinking water daily.
“The PWD is a large department handling roads, buildings, and other infrastructure, which often means water doesn't get enough attention. The new department will focus solely on drinking water and will be launched soon,” Sawant said at the foundation stone laying ceremony for the construction of a 1,000-cubic-meter sump with pumping arrangements.
Sawant emphasized that the initiative is part of a long-term vision for the next 25 years. “We need efficient engineers with a dedicated focus on this new department to make Goa self-sufficient in terms of water,” he said.
He also highlighted the need for numerous water sources. “There are various water sources, and people shouldn’t rely on just one,” he added.
Clarifying the roles of different departments, Sawant stated that the new DDW will be responsible for ensuring water reaches homes for four hours daily, while the Water Resources Department (WRD) will oversee water supply to reservoirs.
“It’s the responsibility of the WRD to ensure water reaches the reservoirs, and if it doesn’t, strict action will be taken,” he warned.
Addressing water billing, the chief minister noted that 40% of Goa’s population currently pays no water charges. “Sixty per cent of people pay their water bills. The cost of water is Rs 20 per cubic litre, but we charge only Rs 3 per cubic litre from those who pay, while the government bears the remaining Rs 17,” he said.
