KARACHI:
Most areas in interior Sindh have been deprived of clean and potable water for decades now. One reason for this is the absence of dams and regional water boards to regulate the water supply and maintenance of water bodies. Most surface water bodies are polluted and require treatment to be suitable for consumption. Some people purchase water from nearby districts while others resort to water tankers, but these are not feasible and affordable options.
Even though more than 1,200 water supply schemes have been designated for the region, less than half of these are currently operational. The problem has aggravated after the recent floods as nearby water bodies were inundated with contaminated flood water. Much of the available water is contaminated with microorganisms and arsenic, which poses a threat to the residents and cannot be used for agriculture either. Water testing samples have proved that the majority of the water in Sindh is not fit for consumption, yet the relevant authorities have not taken any action. Many people have either fallen sick or lost their lives after consuming dirty water.
The locals have raised their concerns with regional authorities as well as protested against the injustice. Unfortunately, their calls have fallen on deaf ears. The provincial government must pay heed to the issue urgently and consult regional authorities to resolve the matter. Otherwise, Sindh will be faced with a catastrophic situation.
Kohinoor Zakir
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, November 5th, 2022.
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