Cantt residents face water shortage

RAWALPINDI:

Residents of Rawalpindi Cantonment have complained of a severe shortage of water, saying they receive supplies for only 15 to 25 minutes after intervals of up to 48 hours despite paying monthly water bills. They have urged senior authorities to take immediate notice of the situation and ensure a regular and fair water supply.

One of the residents, Muhammad Shafique, said the shortage had forced households to store water in drums, tanks and other containers. He expressed concern that water stored in open containers could provide breeding grounds for dengue mosquitoes, increasing the risk of the spread of dengue in the area.

Another complainant Naeem Qureshi pointed out that millions of rupees had been allocated over the past three years for water supply projects, including the construction of underground water tanks, rehabilitation of tube wells and installation of new distribution pipelines.

He questioned why the water shortage persisted despite these investments and demanded an inquiry into the management and distribution of water across the cantonment.

Residents also alleged that some lower-level officials in the Cantonment Board's water supply wing were favouring influential individuals in the distribution of water. They claimed that selected people were informed before supply valves were opened or pumps switched on, while other households continued to face shortages.

They further claimed that the Cantonment Board's water bowsers and smaller supply vehicles, often remained out of service for three to four days a week.