Millions of people do not have reasonable access to safe drinking water, millions of people defecate in the open.
ISLAMABAD: Lamentably, a continuous supply of drinking water and improved sanitation has not been a priority for our ruling elite in Sindh. A lack of interest and no proper infrastructure for these services are continuously challenging Sindh and the Sindhi people. Reliable sources reveal that millions of people now live in water-deficient areas, millions of people still do not have reasonable access to safe drinking water and millions of people defecate in the open. These things are damaging people’s health and their quality of life.
Resources are aplenty but those are being wasted carelessly over non-productive activities, so much so that donor funds are not being utilised honestly to improve water and sanitation services in the province. Political administrators have never been honest about their failings.
The rich ruling elite, bureaucrats and technocrats, who have access to clean drinking water, are requested to implement integrated water management policies and try to honour the commitments they made during the election campaign to provide improved water supply and sanitation infrastructure to the people of the province. Furthermore, it must also be noted that the wellbeing of feudal lords and business tycoons depends on the efficient allocation of water resources. The elite classes have water but the fact that their servants barely have water should be giving them sleepless nights. It is time our rulers felt empathy with those they rule. Also, it is time our journalists highlighted this important issue.
Hashim Abro
Published in The Express Tribune, May 16th, 2014.
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