Sajanagad: People in hilly and tribal-dominated Sajanagad area under Nilagiri block in Balasore are facing problem of safe drinking water as solar-powered projects are lying defunct for over two years now. With safe drinking water getting scarce, locals are bracing up for a showdown with the authorities.
Lack of routine maintenance by the RWSS department has left the projects useless for the people. As the area was hilly and forested, people used to face drinking water problem. Given the situation, MP Rabindra Kumar Jena had got two solar powered projects set up with the help of OREDA. Lakhs of rupees were spent. As per an agreement, the contractor concerned was mandated to carry out maintenance for five years.
“After completion of the projects, the contractor and the department neglected repairing whenever there was a need for repair. The solar powered projects ran well for one year and then became defunct,” lamented villagers of Nuasahi.
As water is not available, women in the village have to trek to a distant place to bring water.
Villagers like Rabindra Khapalia, Ghana Padhial, Arta Madhei, Sarat Madhei and Narahari Khalpalia noted that such a situation has cropped up due to lack of coordination between the contractor and the RWSS department.
They warned of an agitation if the RWSS department fails to carry out necessary repair in time.
Junior engineer of RWSS Radhashyam Nayak said the contractor concerned has been told to carry out necessary repair and make the project functional.
Besides, the department has taken steps to set up tube wells in the area.
PNN
