Residents of several villages in Swat on Wednesday protested disconnection of water supply lines which have been dysfunctional for the past two weeks.
People of Barama demonstrated in front of the municipal administration’s office in Mingora. They shouted slogans against the government and relevant authorities, saying that instead of focusing on earning a living, they are forced to travel considerable distances to fetch water from far-flung areas.
“We are all labourers earning daily wages to feed our families, but we have not been able to work for the last few days,” complained Abdul Rehman, a resident of Barama. “The situation has resulted in a severe financial crisis [for us].”
Meanwhile, residents of Saidu Sharif also demonstrated against the suspension of water supply, saying tube wells have not been functioning for the past 15 days. According to residents of Miangano Cham, the sole tube well in their locale has been lying out of order for 10 days, because of which there is no water in their homes.
“Water supply has been suspended to many areas like Barkalay and Miangano Cham,” said Izhar Khan, a resident of Aqba. Like the people of Barama, those in Saidu Sharif also have to travel miles in search of water.
Protesters said the Tehsil Municipal Authority paid little or no attention to their problems despite several complaints.
“We contacted the authority on many occasions, but nothing has been done to solve the problem. We are only pacified by verbal assurances,” said Abdullah from Miangano Cham.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 6th, 2014.
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