Panaji: The public works department (PWD) has said that the scheme recently announced by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant of providing 16,000 litres of free potable water will benefit 1.5 lakh households, which is 52 per cent of the state’s population.

In a press communique issued on Wednesday, the PWD stated that households will also be provided with an option of fixing their own water meter, checked and verified by the department so that the meter rent charges are also waived off.

The communique states that during the Independence Day speech, the Chief Minister made an announcement to the people of Goa that with effect from September 1, 2021, 16,000 litres or 16 cubic metres of water will be made available to the households per month free of cost which will provide benefit to around 1.5 lakh households in Goa covering 52 per cent of the total population.

“This decision of the government is a big relief to the below poverty line families and at the same time, judicious use of water concept will be achieved,” the PWD statement said.

It further said the households will also be provided with an option of fixing their own water meter, checked and verified by the public works department so that the meter rent charges are also waived off.

Households consuming water above 16 cubic metres will continue to pay the water tariff charges as applicable.

“A detailed proposal will be prepared by PWD for its implementation from September 1, 2021 onwards,” the communique said.