Summer worsens potable water woes in Maradu

Kochi: Onset of summer has forced several wards in Maradu municipality to face an acute shortage of drinking water, with locals alleging that scarcity continues despite assurances from authorities. Wards 1, 35, 23, 19 and 22 are among the areas worst affected, where residents depend on tanker trucks for drinking water.Leela Vidyadharan, 59, a resident of Ward 1, said the situation has made life difficult for residents. "Water comes every two, three days. We have to walk far to get water from a pipe like in the olden days. As we live on a small plot of land, there is no space to dig wells," she said.Athira Abu, 29, another resident of Maradu, said tanker trucks provide only partial relief. "There is no regular supply. Despite paying bills, there is no water. With kids at home during vacation, it is difficult," she said.Locals said they have raised complaints with officials of Kerala Water Authority (KWA) as well as municipality numerous times, but the situation has not been resolved.Maradu municipality chairperson Ajitha Nandakumar said the municipality recently held meetings with KWA officials, who cited low pressure in pumping due to frequent power cuts at Pazhoor pump house, which pumps water to Maradu, leading to the shortage. "They assured us they would fix the issue, but the scarcity persists. Tanker water cannot be a replacement for tap water," said Nandakumar.Meanwhile, CPM leader in Maradu A U Viju said they have been holding marches regularly over the issue and alleged a lack of vision from elected representatives in the region. "Situation has gradually worsened in the past five years. Despite the plight of residents, local MLA or MP has not raised the issue with authorities concerned or initiated drinking water projects in the region," he said.Repeated calls to KWA officials went unanswered.