Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru

Mangaluru, May 8: Residents of Bolar went through a real-life nightmare as sewage water entered residential areas on Sunday, May 7. Drainage connection belonging to Mangala Caterers located behind the houses belonging to Steven Fernandes and to Mabel suffered leakage affecting the two houses badly. The neighbourhood has small houses belonging to the poor.

Steven who is bearing the brunt of the leakage said, "We are living here for the last 50 years. We are facing this problem since a month due to leaking sewage pipes of Mangala Caterers. The drainage connection from the caterers just passes from the backyard of my house which joins the main sewage connection. The sewage water enters our house and has made our lives miserable.

"We had even complained about this persistent problem to corporator Kavita Vasu who inspected the area and assured to help. But she never turned up after that. When we confronted Mangala Caterers, they asked us to report it to the mayor. No one is responding to our problem," he added.

Mabel, who is equally affected due to the leaking sewage water said, "We are facing trouble from the time this catering business came into existence behind of our house. From the past one month, our situation has become pathetic as sewage water flows into our house. Ours is a traditional old mud house and water seeps through easily. Complaining to the corporator evoked positive response. As it is a Sunday and the city corporation is closed, corporator Kavitha Vasu asked us to file a written complaint tomorrow (Monday). The condition here is worse. It is impossible for us to live in this foul smell and flooding sewage water.

"Our house might collapse anytime due to this leaking water. Who will be held responsible if it happens?" she said, desperation and exasperation evident in her tone.

The condition of the two houses remained unchanged till Monday morning. People from the caterers have cleaned the premises, but Steven's house is still filled with sewage water. The leakage had ceased as the caterers had stopped washing vessels. The issue of leakage will continue when the caterers resume their work.

The corporator had assured to address the issue on Monday, May 8, but none of the workers or officials from MCC have turned up so far.