Residents demand clean drinking water

Many localities constantly getting polluted water

RAWALPINDI:

Residents of the garrison city have urged the relevant authorities to ensure the provision of clean drinking water as many of the localities were getting polluted water constantly.

People living in College Road, Arya Mohallah, Dhoke Khaba, Umer Road, Nadeem Colony, Dhoke Elahi Bukush and other localities complained that they were getting contaminated water which was badly affecting their health.

A resident of Nadeem of Colony Arshad Malik said the water supplied in their area was polluted, "We have to fetch clean drinking water from far-flung areas".

A homemaker, Asma from Dhoke Elahi Bukush expressed her deep concern that most of the budget was consumed on the provision of water which was not only polluted but also not useable for washing purposes.

Twin cities enjoy pleasant weather in Ramazan

Another complainant, Naeem Qurashi from Arya Mohallah said that due to the provision of muddy and polluted water, they had to purchase expansive mineral water.

The main cause of polluted water in the twin cities is the outdated sewerage system, and many areas have no sewerage facilities, he added.

Dr Asad Kamran, a local physician, who also lives in Dhoke Khaba, said: "Consuming contaminated water may result in stomach ailments like diarrhoea and vomiting. A weak digestive system could also lead to deficiency in the immune system, and might also cause hepatitis A and B, as well as skin disease," he added.

On the other hand, the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has claimed that millions of rupees are being spent for the provision of clean drinking water and old pipelines are being replaced with new ones to address the public issue.

WASA Chairman Tariq Mehmood told the media that there would be no water shortage in the summer season.

He said WASA had taken special measures for the provision of water supply without interruption to its consumers.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 27^th, 2021.