Valveman holds public to ransom here

In the absence of any borewell in the vicinity, the BWSSB water supply - supposed to be supplied twice a week - is the only source here. However, the BWSSB valveman is causing great inconvienience to residents.

Known for reporting to duty inebriated most of the time, the BWSSB man, who has been posted here for the last six years, is alleged to be unresponsive to the concerns of the 50 odd families who reside on 4th Cross. He also reportedly uses vulgar language when the residents ask for their rights, complains Bosco, who works for an NGO here. “I have personally lodged complaint on behalf of the residents, on three occasions, to the BWSSB office at Fraser Town, but nothing has happened,” Bosco adds.

Vasanthi another resident reveals that during the few erratic occasions that he releases water, the valveman stops at each house and expects to be paid at least Rs 20.

While surrounding streets receive water every Wednesday and Sunday during the scheduled hours, this street gets discriminatory treatment. Families have to constantly request those in the surrounding streets to give them some water. They also reluctantly request the Jyoti Seva School for Blind to allow collecting water from the the borewell in the convent.

Problem fetching water

Visually-challenged Aruna Verghese speaks of the tremendous problems she faced in fetching water from the school located across her house, and climbing two rows of stairs to reach her house.

While the BWSSB officials in charge of the particular division did not answer calls, a top BWSSB official at the head office, Cauvery Bhavan, said that the board takes strict action against such employees.

“All we need is a complaint in writing. We usually conduct an inquiry and if found guilty, the employee is suspended.” Even in the case of strong oral complaints, the employees are transferred. Action has definitely been taken in a few cases in the past, he added.