Metrowater drivers fleece residents; officials deny it

CHENNAI: Residents complain that Metrowater drivers demand extra money to pump water into sumps. “Every time I book water via the 'Dial for Water 2.0' portal, the driver forces me to pay 200-250 extra if he has to pump water into our sump,” said Gurunathan Dhanapal, a resident of Manali. Twice a month, he books a 9 kL lorry for 700, which he has to pay online.
Residents from Velachery, Valasaravakkam and Adyar have also faced similar instances of paying money unofficially to the driver. “If a consumer gives the money as tips, then it is different. But forcing people to pay is not fair,” said Visalakshi R from Valasaravakkam.

Stoppage of Metrowater water supply in underground lines due to civic works and instances of water mixing with sewage are major reasons for people to book water tankers.
If a person needs water, they can book water lorries via the Metrowater platform, 'Dial for Water 2.0', between 7am and 3pm. They are supposed to do an online payment to get the booking confirmed. They will receive an SMS detailing the lorry number, driver number and an OTP.
“Some drivers say that they have to deliver water to far-away sumps, and it may involve carrying huge pipes. Since carrying the huge pipes involves more physical labour, drivers demand more money as compensation for the same,”said a water tanker driver in contract with Metrowater.
Local Metrowater area engineers and some ward councillors say that it is not unusual to give few bucks to the lorry drivers.
“Such instances hardly happen. No consumer has had to pay anything extra unofficially to anyone if they have done an online payment for water tankers. If there are any such instances, they can complain to the phone number 1912 or 45674567,” said Metrowater public relations manager M Vetrichelvan, adding that they will take action.
“I have been writing to Metrowater officials, which has been in vain,” said Gurunathan. “We are yet to get Metrowater line in Manali and totally depend on external water supply, especially Dial for Water.”