Chennai: On 12 June, M Gunasekaran, a social worker and resident of 20th Street, Nakkeeran Salai, Mugappair East approached News Today and spoke about the poor condition of the hand pump on his street.

He said that it got repaired more than 10 months ago and no steps were taken by the officials to set it right, to overcome water scarcity during summer.

A few days ago, he once again contacted this reporter and said, “On 16 June, News Today published an article under the heading ‘Hand pumps need helping hand’. And, on 18 June, a team of workers came to the spot and started to remove the pump. After dismantling it, they kept the parts in a house nearer to the spot.”

He added, “On 26 June, workers came with new pipes and spare parts and did repair work. We were happy to see the efforts of Metrowater officials and the impact of the article published in News Today,” Gunasekaran said.

“We are now able to get some water. Most of the bore wells in the street got dried, but we are able to get water from this pump. Many residents were surprised and happy.”

He also had a request to residents. “While making use of the pump, they should handle it carefully, so that we can use it for a long period without repairing it.”