Rohit Kumar
Port Blair, 31 March 2024
Residents of Shivgami Colony, nestled in the heart of Austinabad under Ward No. 20 of the Port Blair Municipal Corporation (PBMC), have raised their voices in a plea for basic necessities, citing neglect from local authorities.
In a recent appeal to the media, residents of Shivgami Colony highlighted their dire living conditions, exacerbated by the absence of essential amenities crucial for human sustenance. They lamented the lack of attention from their elected representative, accusing the councillor of apathy towards their welfare and the systematic disregard of their colony’s needs.
According to the residents, since the PBMC Elections in 2022, their elected councillor has been conspicuously absent, leaving them to grapple with their issues alone. They noted that only sporadic visits from the councillor’s husband occur, with little to no effective resolution of their concerns.
The deficient drainage system in Shivgami Colony compounds the residents’ woes, particularly during the rainy season when they endure considerable hardships. Moreover, the dilapidated state of roads, pathways, and footpaths demands urgent repairs, posing hazards to residents’ daily lives.
The absence of streetlights further exacerbates the challenges faced by residents, plunging the colony into darkness after sunset, increasing safety concerns.
Water scarcity and irregular supply further burden Shivgami Colony’s inhabitants, exacerbated by ageing pipelines in urgent need of replacement. The residents demand a comprehensive overhaul of the water supply system, including the installation of new pipelines to alleviate their plight.
Expressing their frustration, residents underscored their deteriorating living conditions and the apparent indifference of the ward councillor towards their grievances. They demand prompt intervention from the PBMC to address their pressing needs, including the provision of adequate roads, water, drainage, and street lighting.
As residents of Shivgami Colony continue to grapple with these challenges, their outcry serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for local authorities to prioritise the well-being and basic rights of all citizens, regardless of their residential location.