In a major lapse, an overhead water tanker run by the rural water supply and sanitation department to cater to over 2,000 people has been without a cover on top.
The incident which created uproar among the public after it came to the notice of people has taken place in Dhandamunda village under Patnagarh sub division.
“I was shocked when I found that the overhead tank had no cover and plastic sheets are used to cover it, which were blown away,” said Sobhanmaya Mishra.
Mishra, a PRI member said, “It was a case of sheer callousness. The 40,000 litre capacity over head water tank was built at a cost of Rs 16 lakh.”
“I wonder how they failed to imagine that keeping the tanker open will welcome host of things ranging from dust,garbage to dead animal that can contaminate the water, risking the people’s lives with diseases like jaundice and diarrhoea,” said Khyamanidhi Bhoi.
Interestingly the water tanker that was built in 2014 is situated inside the premises of Dhandamunda panchayat office yet it went unnoticed for so long .
However, when the matter was brought to the notice of the panchayat executive officer and JE RWSS they acknowledged the lapse. They assured to install a concrete lid soon.