The generator of the main water pump has become inoperative due to lack of supply of adequate power from the national grid, pourasabha sources said. The Danida-assisted main water pump installed on the pourasabha office premises remained stopped from June 20. The auto-generators became inoperative for failure of the Power Development Board (PDB) to supply adequate power required for the purpose.

Usually, water is stored in the overhead tank with a capacity of 7-lakh litre from the pump although the tank supplies only two-thirds of water in the town areas.

Nazrul Islam, a pump operator, said that 360 voltage power is required for operating the main pump but due to poor power supply the pump could not be operated.

This has resulted in sufferings of people living in Puran Bazar, Kathpatti, College Road, Muslim Para, Munsef Para, Nabab Para. Shimulbagh, Adalat Para, Chalk Bazar and Sabujbagh areas. The people are now collecting drinking water from deep tube-wells installed in different schools and colleges.

PDB sources said, 'We get only 10 megawatt of power in Patuakhali town although there is a demand for 27 megawatt of power.' 'Because of low voltage, people's sufferings increased manifold for the last 10 days,' he said.

On contact, an official of Patuakhali Pourasabha Water and Sanitation Department said 'We do not supply water in the town on emergency basis as we have no water van.' 'This has multiplied sufferings of 70,000 out of one lakh people living in the town ', he added.