The authority’s Legal Wing has been asked to formulate comprehensive bylaws to punish those found drawing water illegally.
With water shortages spiralling out of control, city managers are looking to the private sector to help wet the throats of almost two million residents of the capital. In a bid to control the loadshedding-driven water shortage , the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to hire the services of private water suppliers, along with installing generators on tube wells, which are the second-biggest source of potable water in the city.
The decisions were taken during a meeting chaired by CDA Chairman Tahir Shahbaz on Sunday at the civic agency’s headquarters. The meeting was called following the increasing number of water supply-related complaints, especially in the I, G and H series of sectors.
“Due to rain spells at the beginning of the year, sufficient water is available in Simly Dam, while the underground water table has also improved,” said the chairman according to a press release issued after the meeting.
Shahbaz said the steep rise in temperature along with power outages has increased the demand for water in the city, for which the authority has planned to operate tube wells on generators to help improve the availability of water in the worst affected areas.
Talking to The Express Tribune, Shahbaz informed that initially, three generators will be installed at tube wells in CDA Headquarters, Pak-China Friendship Centre and the Sports and Culture building.
“It is a temporary arrangement until we purchase generators for the purpose,” Shahbaz said.
He added that the CDA has also increased water supply from Simly Dam to meet the rising demand for water.
He said CDA Engineering Member Sanaullah Aman has also been directed to hire the services of private water tankers in addition to uplift work on the CDA’s existing fleet of bowsers.
Shahbaz said Rs6 million will soon be released to overhaul the water tankers. Currently, residents are being forced to pay exorbitant rates between Rs1,200 and Rs1,500 for a private water tanker.
The CDA chairman also requested the residents of Islamabad to not use potable water for gardening and washing cars, as it would help conserve the commodity.
“The Security and Enforcement directorates, in collaboration with the Water Management Wing, have been asked to remove illegal water supply connections in the city,” Shahbaz said.
He added that the authority’s Legal Wing has been asked to formulate comprehensive bylaws to punish those found drawing water illegally.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 27th, 2013.
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