Bhadrak: Money towards electric bill for a defunct drinking water project at Olang panchayat under Sadar block in this district is being paid annually from the panchayat fund for nearly eight years now, locals here have alleged.
An overhead tank with a capacity of 40,000 litres was constructed near Rajiv Gandhi Seva Kendra in 2011, spending a whopping Rs 1 crore. The then MLA Jugal Kishore Patnaik and Collector Akshaya Pani inaugurated the project October 5, 2011.
The villagers were hopeful that their perennial problem of getting safe drinking water would end soon. Though no personal connection was given, 39 stand posts were put up in the village.
But, 10 days after inauguration the pipes laid out from the overhead tank to the stand posts developed cracks allegedly due to use of low quality equipments in the construction. The project has since been lying defunct.
The villagers alleged that they have been taking up the matter with the concerned officials and the block administration but have not received any response. Yet, electricity bill is being paid annually, they added.
When contacted, block development officer (BDO) Umesh Mallick said he was not aware of the fact. “I will discuss with the rural water supply and sanitation department and take necessary steps to make the project functional.”
PNN