SHC seeks reply from CBC over water charges

Petitioner claims cantonment laws lack clauses for water tax

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Tuesday sought a reply from Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC), Defence Housing Authority (DHA), and Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) regarding the dispute over water supply and collection of water charges by CBC.

A two-member bench headed by Justice Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi heard the petitions filed by former attorney general Advocate Anwar Mansoor Khan and others in connection with the dispute over no supply of water and collection of charges in DHA, Cantonment Board Clifton.

Advocate Khan stated, “CBC also delivered an electricity bill of Rs7,500 along with Rs9,000 water supply charges.” At the request of Khan, the court barred CBC from collecting the bill from him for now. The CBC’s lawyer argued, “This bill covers the cost of water supply.” Khan, however, contended that CBC has no authority to collect water charges.

Justice Rizvi said, “What is the DHA doing to supply water? Hydrants were caught stealing water in the Manzoor Colony. Water is available, but it’s stolen. What actions have been taken by DHA?” The CBC lawyer stated that the cantonment was getting nine million gallons per day (MGD) to four MGD.

The court questioned, “What is your plan? According to which law are you charging the residents? How will you provide water to the residents? The CBC lawyer stated that they were charging the residents after official approval of the board.

Advocate Khan said, “When there is no law, how can CBC charge money? There are no charges mentioned in the cantonment bylaws. Karachi has six cantonment boards. One-third of the city consists of cantonments.” The CBC lawyer reiterated that charges were levied as per approval of the board which has representation of the government, military as well as civilians.

As for water shortage he asserted, “We do not have the required water.” Justice Rizvi remarked, “What is your alternative strategy?” What do you do if you don’t get water?” The Petitioner’s counsel stated that there was a market of private water tankers. People pay tax for water which they do not get and buy the same water from the tanker owners.

The CBC lawyer argued that not more than 4.5MGD water was available with the board. Justice Rizvi remarked, “Why did you not make your hydrants till today? If people can make hydrants, why not CBC, you people are putting a lot of pressure on the residents.” The petitioner’s counsel stated that DHA Phase-VIII was marketed as a very well planned residential area, however, it all proved sham. He said that high-rise buildings are being constructed in the area, with no planning for water supply.