PANAJI
Drinking Water Minister Subhash Phal Dessai on Wednesday said the government expects to address the persistent drinking water shortage in the Siolim constituency once two water treatment projects are completed by May 2026.
Responding to concerns raised by Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo during a calling attention motion in the House, the minister said the government has already constructed a 5.6 MLD Water Treatment Plant (WTP) at Siolim, which has been partially commissioned and is currently under trial run.
Phal Dessai said the situation will further improve after the augmentation of the Assonora Water Treatment Plant by 30 MLD, which will provide additional water supply to the constituency.
The Minister informed that Siolim has 10,223 water connections, including 9,864 domestic and 359 non-domestic connections, with a total demand of 15.47 million litres per day (MLD). However, the area currently faces a shortfall of 5.27 MLD.
He explained that Siolim lies at the tail end of the Assonora water supply system, which often leads to disruptions due to low pressure, power failures and occasional breakdowns or shutdowns. “These issues are attended to with priority to ensure a regular water supply. As a short-term measure, water is also supplied through tankers to affected areas,” Phal Dessai said.
Lobo said residents in several parts of Siolim receive water for very limited hours, while some localities face no supply for days, affecting household activities and raising health and hygiene concerns.
