Penal water woes spread

He told the Newsday that since Holy Thursday, of the 517 households affected, approximately 264 are fitted for pipeborne water but have not had water for the past month.

Sammy said that along Penal Rock Road and adjoining traces, residents have not had water since February 27. As a matter of fact, the chairman added, some residents who live along Radhyram Trace, off Bunsee Trace, have not had water since Christmas.

Sammy said that Barrackpore is also badly affected as are all high points in the Penal district. Requests for water to be delivered by the corporation, he added, have also come from public institutions in areas on the outskirts of Penal such as Palmiste, Bronte Village, Monkey Town and areas in Debe district.

“The problem has been going on for weeks, without a schedule or apology from WASA. Twice I’ve requested the intervention of Minister Kazim Hosein (Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Minister) without success.” Sammy said that the corporation has been delivering truck-borne water to approximately 400 homes which are not being serviced by WASA, as well as homes which have water mains. He said that WASA has warned against the corporation delivering water to such residents whose homes are fitted for pipe-borne water.

“But what can we tell residents who call us and virtually plead for water. Water is a right, not a privilege and we must respond to the call within our physical and financial capability,” Sammy said.

Councillor for Penal Shanti Boodram yesterday said that residents of Ramdeen Trace, Fazal Avenue, Bobby Avenue, Aquart Village and Old Quinam Road, have been begging her via her facebook page, for water.

She visited these areas yesterday and heard residents’ complaints, many of whom said that because they live on higher ground, water has not flowed in their mains for several weeks. Boodram said, “We have been asking WASA to pump the water such that those on the higher ground will be able to get water. Some areas did get a pipeborne supply yesterday...but others remain high and dry.”