RCB residents rely on tankers for water
A private water tanker supplies water to residents of Akhtar Colony, where acute water shortage is being witnessed. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/EXPRESS
Residents of Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) are facing extreme difficulties because of water shortage in the sweltering heat. They have been left at the mercy of the tanker mafia that charges them astronomical rates to provide clean water.
The residents told The Express Tribune that the board imposed multiple taxes on them but they were not being supplied adequate water needed for their needs. They added that their taps have run dry as they get water supply after four to five days and sometimes it remains absent during the entire week.
There is an acute shortage of the basic amenity in areas of RCB. The residents of these areas have no choice but to get water from water tankers.
A citizen named Faisal Jamal told The Express Tribune that there were multiple private filtration plants and service stations established in different localities of the cantonment area. He added that the big sucking machines draw a huge volume of underground water owing to which its level is dropping significantly.
A resident Zahid Malik told The Express Tribune that they are compelled to call water tankers for meeting their everyday water requirements. He added that the rates of the tankers are quite high and a small tanker is delivered at Rs1,000 and a bigger one at Rs1,500.
They also alleged that board employees, responsible for overseeing water supply in different areas, take bribes and divert the supply to another ward from the one that is supposed to get it. They said that the cantonment’s top brass should take departmental action against the corrupt officials.
RCB spokesperson told The Express Tribune that the water supply from Khanpur dam is continued and it wasn’t squeezed. He said that the water level in the reservoir was currently low but the board has taken alternative measures. He claimed RCB has issued a rate list for water tankers which was available round the clock.
The spokesperson said the board had no connection with the private water tanker mafia, but it takes action whenever a complaint is registered.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 1st, 2021.