Navelim locals protest delay in repair of sewerage pipe

Margao: Residents of Colmorod, Ratwado, Calcondem, Chinchal and Sirvodem areas of Navelim have threatened to take to the streets in protest against the delay in repairing the ruptured sewerage pipeline at two places leading to the residential areas being cut off from water supply.
As the disruption in water supply coincided with the feast of Our Lady of Rosary Church, Navelim, it added to the inconvenience of the residents who had guests at home.
Though the PWD made alternative arrangements by providing potable water through water tankers, the supply fell largely short of the demand, sources said.
Former chairperson of Margao Municipal Council (MMC) Savio Coutinho, who resides in the locality, demanded that the government agencies concerned supervise the ongoing sewerage works.
“In the absence of any supervision by officials of government departments, contractors dig up the roads as they wish, without taking care of water supply and electricity cables, thereby damaging them and putting the public into hardship,” Coutinho told TOI.
Pointing out that the contractor has failed in providing shoring to the excavated trenches, Coutinho alleged that the works were not being executed as per laid down specifications.
“Since the soil is loose, proper support by way of shoring to the sides of excavations have to be provided. This is always an item in the tender, which is never followed. JCBs are used for excavation for fast and haphazard work, and the result is hardships to the pu blic,” Coutinho said.
“In the absence of shoring to the sides, the mud and the road keeps collapsing resulting into a huge crater, and also bringing along with it water supply lines. Has the department ever estimated the huge losses to the exchequer on account of the damage and repair of the extra area of the road?” Coutinho sought to know.
The residents have warned of disrupting the ongoing works of “if this type of reckless work continues”.