Water woes: Frustrated Pindiites take to streets

Locals protest against WASA for failing to provide basic facilities while hiking bills.

Residents of different Rawalpindi colonies protested against the city administration for its failure to provide civil amenities such as water. They also claimed that the Chief Minister had failed to withdraw the decision of the 250 per cent increase in water and sewage bills.

The protesters took to the streets on Sunday and chanted slogans against the authorities of Water and Sewage Authority (WASA).They were holding placards and banners and blocked traffic on different road sites. Besides, the protesters also criticised the authorities for the dilapidated condition of roads, broken gutters and dumping garbage in the open.

The protest was led by welfare committee members including Raja Sajad, Chaudhry Amir Rasheed, Raja Imitiaz, Haji Ahmed, Dr.Qamer , Sabir Ayaz, Shakeel Tahir, Raja Sohail. The residents of Lalazar demanded the authorities to ensure water supply to the area, repair the streets, remove garbage and provide alternative place for a graveyard. They claimed that they have been living in the area since 1975 but have always been deprived of the basic facilities.

The residents of the Misrial colony and Cantt said that the area’s water supply had been suspended two weeks ago, creating numerous problems for them. They chided the authorities of the cantonment board for their non-serious attitude, saying they had to bring in water tankers on a daily basis to meet domestic requirements. They also claimed that the tanker owners were in connivance with the authorities and sold water at an inflated price.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 9^th, 2011.