Haul up irrigation officials for water shortage, cry MPAs

KARACHI:

“The artificial water shortage has put our performance over four years at risk. We have no water to sow our crop. When we approach irrigation officials to bathe the bodies of our dead voters, they take them to other districts for Ghusl (last rites). How can we win in the upcoming election.”

This was the impassioned speech by MPA Nawab Taimur Talpur in the Sindh Assembly on Monday.

Not just Talpur but other MPAs of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party had the same complaint. They want action against irrigation officials for failing to provide water especially to Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Thatta and Badin.

Talpur, who belongs to Umerkot, said that there was a severe water shortage in Kunri. He quoted the irrigation engineer of his area as saying: “My tenure is about to expire. I do not care about any action you take against me. You can go ahead and complain.”

Sassui Palijo of Thatta said her district had the same problem. “Please either call a meeting of irrigation officials or ask the minister to ensure water goes to the area,” she said, asking why the irrigation minister was absent given the water crises.

The speaker referred the matter to the standing committee.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 8^th, 2012.