Karwar: Even five years since missing deadline, Kerawadi multi-village drinking water project, aimed at providing drinking water to several villages of Karwar taluk, is yet to near completion.

Zilla Panchayat officials say it may take another month-and-half to be completed. Residents complain that works are going on at a snail’s pace.

The project was sanctioned in 2013. The contractor was given nine months for completion of project. However, as the contractor apportioned the works for sub-contractors for completion of work, it was further delayed. The delay in completion has been discussed on several occasions at the general body meeting of Zilla Panchayat.

Zilla Panchayat Member Chaitra Kotarkar said she has been calling upon officials to supply drinking water to the villages from the old pipeline networks that has been laid, instead of relaying on new pipes to the water tanks in the village. “This would not only save money, but also time,” she said adding she would continue to exert pressure on the officials to complete the project posthaste. Kerawadi village resident Mohan said, looking at the pace at which the project is being completed, one doubts if the officials can complete the work before April end.

He said if the project completes after the onset of monsoon, it would not serve much purpose for the residents this year. “The project will only quench our thirst only next summer,” he said.