The government should build some small dams with hydropower capacity for the city
GWADAR: Some thieves recently broke into a house and stole water from there. This clearly shows how the emerging city of Pakistan is grappling with chronic and impending water issues.
The Ankara Dam is the only water reservoir for the ever-increasing population of Gwadar and its adjoining areas. The dam has lost much of its capacity of restoring water owing to the accumulation of sand and mud. Now, the dam can provide water to the areas for only three months after receiving rain.
Last summer, a large number of people from Gwadar district had to boil water for drinking due to lack of rains. Since the slumbering provincial government is reluctant to restore the original capacity of the Ankara Dam and build new dams for the city, Gwadar will, once again, face severe water shortage in the days ahead. Since Gwadar is Pakistan’s projected economic hub and a mega city, the government should build some small dams with hydropower capacity for the city and towns around it. It is imperative to ensure that the money for dams is not be embezzled by corrupt contractors and government authority.
Amin Akhbar
Published in The Express Tribune, October 16th, 2016.
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