Residents’ ‘no’ to daily water supply initiative

The water works department is gearing up to provide daily water supply to public with the approaching summer. The scheme has been launched in some areas on a trial basis. The reaction to this, however, has not been positive with some colonies insisting that the officials go back to the earlier system where they provided water once every two or three days but at a more convenient time.

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) began the trial in 111 slums in the city from February 1, supplying water every day to as many as 70,000 connections.

Earlier, the water board used to supply water on alternate days or once every three days. The supply timings from 5 am to 7 am were convenient for the people who mostly depend on daily wages. The officials released water for at least two hours.

Since the implementation of daily water supply, the timings have been changed to 9 am to 11 am with the duration of supply reduced to one hour. The residents oppose the new schedule.

Recently, Samatha Nagar near Erragadda, which has its share of both slums and posh apartments, opposed the new system urging officials to revert to the old routine.

People from Jimkalawada near Sanathnagar Railway station also submitted a representation to the General Manager of Water Works R.B. Anil Kumar requesting water supply every alternative day. The Colony Welfare Association from Deendayal Nagar in Kukatpally visited the water works’ section office recently and urged officials to stop daily water supply.

The Colony Association president K. Mahender said the daily supply was of no help due to the odd timings.

“Our colony consists of 260 houses with more than 1,000 families. A majority are daily labourers and begin their work from 8pm, so supplying water to us from 10 am is indeed a very odd time for us. “Earlier, they would release water from 5 am to 7am on alternate days. Even residents with low pressure would get sufficient water.”