Hyderabad water crisis reaches critical level

Either water does not come or is extremely muddy and smelly

HYDERABAD:

The water crisis in the second biggest urban centre of Sindh has become alarming, upending the daily lives of people in several neighbourhoods, especially Heerabad, Shahi Bazaar, Khai Road, Afandi Town, Tando Mir Mahmood, Unit No 12, and Kohsar.

Some areas have been without a steady water supply for up to four days, forcing residents to resort to expensive alternatives or hazardous sources.

In many affected areas, residents have to purchase water from private suppliers, often at exorbitant prices. In some cases, people are relying on water extracted from underground boreholes, which raises serious health concerns.

The water that is being supplied in the pipelines is frequently contaminated, with reports of muddy and foul-smelling water making it hazardous for human consumption.

Residents of Shahi Bazaar have reported the water provided to them is so dirty it is unusable, while similar complaints have emerged from Sherissh Nagar in Qasimabad. Ashiq, a local resident, said that after a four-day wait, the water their area received was filled with debris and mud.

The crisis is particularly severe in areas stretching from Khuda Hafiz Chowk to Kohsar, where water supply has been almost entirely cut off. For months, residents of Khuda Hafiz Chowk have been reliant on water from the WASA (Water & Sanitation Agency) pumping station.

However, the agency recently prohibited residents from collecting water from the station, and the area's filtration plant has ceased to function due to insufficient water availability.

Local residents have voiced concerns about corruption within the system. Allegations swirl that some WASA officials, citing unpaid salaries, are facilitating illegal water connections.

Reports indicate that illegal connections are being installed by spudding pipes in the main line putting additional strain on an already overburdened system.

Meanwhile, residents of Kohsar have been left with no choice but to purchase water from costly tanker services.

To protest the ongoing water shortages, residents of Kohsar and Unit No. 12 have organised a demonstration at Khuda Hafiz Chowk.

They are calling for the immediate restoration of the water supply and an end to the illegal connections that are worsening the crisis. The protest, scheduled for Friday, has garnered support from residents of other affected areas, who are demanding prompt and effective action from the authorities.

WASA claims to be addressing illegal connections and defaulters. However, citizens allege that some officials are complicit in the illegal practices, providing connections during the night.