500 tap connections being given afresh in Old Guntur

Teams collecting water samples

A massive operation to replace more than 500 tap connections is under way in several localities in Old Guntur.

Teams from the Engineering and Public Health Departments have begun shifting pipelines in the three lanes of Anandapet. The new pipes are being laid after the old and corroded pipe lines have been removed. Water supply to the areas affected by gastroenteritis continues to be curtailed as a preventive measure.

Meanwhile, teams of the Guntur Medical College have begun collecting water samples in the affected areas. Tests are being held to determine the electrical conductivity, turbidity, and the percentage of ammonium nitrate in the drinking water. A few samples have already tested positive for E. coli bacteria.

On Tuesday, the issue of massive outbreak of gastroenteritis surfaced in the Assembly with Ponnur MLA D. Narendra Kumar raising the issue during question hour. Mr. Narendra pointed out that though the State government has been spending crores of money on maintaining the best sanitary practices in Urban Local Bodies (ULB), the death of 10 people in Guntur which is in the Capital region, has tarnished its reputation.

Suspended

The government continues to take action against the errant engineers of the Guntur Municipal Corporation.

On Monday, Municipal Commissioner C. Anuradha issued orders suspending Executive Engineer Lakshmaiah and Divisional Engineer Madhusudana Rao. The EE and DEE have been held responsible for the contamination of water which has resulted in the death of 10 persons.