Guwahati, 7th November: Amid a series of water pipe burst incidents in Guwahati, Assam’s Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Ashok Singhal, has reassured the public that water pipes are installed only after hydrostatic testing. He added that even after this testing, measures will be taken to address any pipe bursts that might occur.
Singhal addressed ongoing repair works in the Kharguli area, where a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-assisted pipe burst incident took place. He assured that the works will be completed within two months.
Singhal underlined that the city’s water supply has not been cut off in any area. Regular water supply has been provided by the Guwahati Jal Board. In November, he said, 20 District Metering Areas (DMA) would be opened, giving almost 15,000 people access to clean drinking water.
The minister denied any bribery charges, saying that no one is paid Rs. 8,000 to build water lines. He also claimed that the city has installed thirty to thirty-five Integrated Traffic Management Systems (ITMS), with the installation of sixty-five more scheduled for the near future. He acknowledged some small grievances but was overall satisfied with the way the city’s ITMS was operating.