St Cruz locals' plea to tackle sewage issue

PANAJI: Raising fears that the overflowing sewage in the St Cruz nullah from soak pits may lead to a serious health hazard, a section of villagers have petitioned the health department and others to find a permanent solution to the menace.
"As a permanent solution to the recurring nuisance, all violations should be investigated and dealt with," Antonio Fernandes, a local resident said.Fernandes submitted a memorandum to health department, Goa state pollution control board, town and country planning department and sub-divisional magistrate urging authorities to compel the associations of housing societies to initiate remedial action.
"The septic waste from the overflowing soak pits of buildings is released in the storm water nullah by digging a trench," Fernandes stated.
The area near the storm water nullah, passing through the eastern side of St Cruz, is densely populated with residential houses. "The flowing waste poses a serious health hazard as pigs and domesticated animals are seen moving in the nullah and it is a breeding ground for mosquitoes," he added.
"The issue of final occupancy to the building is questionable as there is no provision for disposal of sullage (bathroom and kitchen waste)," Fernandes stated.