IMC draws flak for hiking water charges

APAT President Ajmal Baloch urges PM Imran Khan to take notice of the situation

ISLAMABAD: With the city facing a shortage of water, the elected local government of the federal capital has come under flak from traders for hiking water charges.

All Pakistan Anjuman Tajuran (APAT) has criticised the Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation (IMC) for quietly increasing water charges by 300 per cent, even though the city faces a 70 per cent shortfall between demand and supply of water.

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APAT President Ajmal Baloch noted that there are several industrial and residential areas in the federal capital where faucets often remain dry. Amidst this, the IMC has increased conservancy charges in the water bills which is sheer cruelty given the economic and financial problems residents are facing due to the outbreak.

The APAT president added that people living in apartment complexes have been forced to contract water tankers to fulfil their water needs.

He urged Prime Minister Imran Khan to take notice of the situation, adding that people are being punished in the tussle between the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the IMC.

Baloch claimed that the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was often criticised by the people but in reality, IMC Mayor Anser Aziz was the cause of all sufferings.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 23^rd, 2020.