A basic right: Residents complain of unclean drinking water

Forced to purchase bottled water, consumers still face the risk of illnesses

ISLAMABAD: Residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have demanded provision of clean drinking water, terming it a basic public right.

The contamination of drinking water is a major public health issue.

Sources of drinking water are contaminated with bacteria, toxic metals and pesticides.

Drinking tainted water of this kind, can result in stomach ailments such as diarrhoea and vomiting.

Such digestive systems can then lead to the weakening of immune systems.

Contaminated water also causes Hepatitis A and B, as well as various skin diseases.

Asad Abbas, a resident of I-9 said, “I have been facing problems with the non-availability of clean drinking water for many years now. The Wasa [Water and Sanitation Agency] and the CDA [Capital Development Authority] need to renovate all filtration plants and to ensure provision of top-quality water, in line with the approved national drinking water quality standards.”

The main reasons for the polluted water of Rawalpindi and Islamabad is an out-dated sewerage system, the fact that many areas have no sewerage facility at all, and that over 300 poultry farms surround both cities.

Dr Uzma Zaeem, a resident of Qasim Market, Rawalpindi said, “The poor quality of drinking water has forced a large cross-section of citizens to buy bottled water, but not everyone can afford it.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 22^nd, 2016.