Water man of Vittal saves villagers from water woes

A number of villages in the state have faced water scarcity this year and Seraje village in Vittal is no exception.

Amid scarcity of water this summer, Shafi Gami, a businessman and social worker, turned out to be a Good Samaritan for the villagers.

When the local elected representatives failed to find any solution to the problem, Shafi provided a supply of water to slake the thirst of the residents of Seraje. Although he supplied water to the residents of the village for a month without any political intention, Shafi’s good deed has only availed him of praises from every resident of the village.

“Elected representatives give only assurances, but do not fulfil the promises. Authorities concerned too had not responded to repeated requests for drinking water supply. I was greatly saddened by their attitude and behaviour. Rich people, on the other hand, can dig borewells for themselves, but not the poor,” explained Shafi, adding, “I don’t expect anything in return. I have also not taken any religion into consideration while helping people.”

He further said that, due to lack of coordination between elected members and panchayat officers, developmental works are not reaching the expected level. “Panchayat executive officer Leena Britto is adamant and has refused to change her decisions,” he flayed.

A total of three borewells have been dug by the panchayat. Water is available in two borewells, but is not sufficient to meet the needs of the entire ward. Work on construction of the pipeline has also not begun yet.

“If the pipeline work doesn’t get completed by before the next summer, then we have to struggle to get drinking water,” said the villagers.

Town Panchayat president Arun Vittal said that tender has been called for construction of pipeline at the Seraje wards. “Work may begin in August. As there is no three-phase power supply to the village, installation of pump may be delayed,” said Vittal.

“The available water resource is not enough to supply water to all the villagers. If three-phase power is provided, then the panchayat is ready to dig another borewell,” promised the president, however, he refused to give any statement on the difference of opinion between the executive officer and members of the Panchayat.

In reply to the allegations of the villagers, Leena Britto said that a ward member has misguided the villagers. “We are waiting for grants. The tender is passed already,” she added.

The residents themselves have warned of holding protests in the coming days if the drinking water problem is not solved.