Excavations: ‘Water supply lines need to be protected’

Farid says people dig up sand and gravel that exposes these supply lines that should be kept covered.

KARACHI:

The bulk water supply lines passing through Malir in Gadap Town are supposed to be underground, but they have emerged above the ground due to sand and gravel excavation.

Karachi Water and Sewerage Board managing director Misbahuddin Farid requested the home department to stop the ‘mafia’ from exposing these lines. He said that people dig up sand and gravel that exposes these supply lines that should be kept covered.

In a meeting at Governor House, Farid told Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad that the lines must be protected immediately and requested the imposition of Section 144 on a four-mile radius around water board installations in Karachi and Thatta.

Under this section, the excavation of sand, cutting of rocks, and demolition of ground around all water board installations will be banned.

Farid also requested that the home department order zonal commissioners and police officers to ensure the implementation of section 144.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 9^th, 2013.