BERHAMPUR: The pipeline work in Agasahi-Aska Road here is moving at a snail’s pace posing problems for thousands of residents who are struggling to meet their daily water needs for the last one week. The Public Health Department had entrusted the job to a contractor in October to replace the old pipelines.
Workers employed by the contractor dug up trenches along the road obstructing movement of traffic. Even as the residents were facing inconvenience, non-supply of water for the last one week has fuelled their anger.
Most of the residents purchase water for consumption and depend on ponds for ablutions. Bijaya Padhy, a local who owns a shop at Bachuwari Street, said his shop has remained closed for the last 15 days due to the construction work. “We can tolerate the loss but we are facing immense problem due to non-supply of water,” he added.
Corporator Asha Rani said the PHD officials were requested to make alternative arrangements for supplying water but there has been no response till now. While the Executive Engineer of city PHD was not available for comment, the SDO’s post remains vacant. Junior engineers are managing the work, sources said. Local MLA RC Chyau Patnaik said efforts are on to arrange water tankers in the area. Residents of Bachuwari Street and Desibehera Street are the worst suffers with entry points to their streets remaining closed. The residents have to park their vehicles at some distance from their locality and walk home.
The irate locals alleged that the construction is getting delayed due to the slow pace of work. They also threatened to resort to agitation if water supply is not restored by Monday.