The suspension of water supply due to a 12-hour-long power cut on Saturday added to the misery of the residents of Iqbal Town, Ganj Bakhsh Town and Shalimar Town who already lament that their supply of water is contaminated.
Talking to Pakistan Today, Sham Nagar resident Rizwan said the government’s plan to install 105 tube wells to provide clean water to the citizens is of no use as there is no electricity to operate the tube wells.
CONTAMINATED WATER AND DISEASES:
“Power load shedding coupled with suspension of water supply is putting us through severe mental agony. In the unlikely event that we get water, it is usually contaminated and unfit for consumption.”
But we have no choice, said Rizwan, adding that the residents are suffering from various water-borne diseases including diarrhea and cholera due to consumption of contaminated water.
He said that an enquiry should be conducted to ascertain the whereabouts of the funds allocated for Punajb Government’s Water Supply Scheme.
Amir told Pakistan Today that for the 5,000 residents of Shah Din Scheme there is only one tube well. “Even that tube well ceases to work when the there is a power cut,” he said, lamenting the scanty water supply to the residents of the locality.
WITHER GENERATORS?
“Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) managing director has issued orders to all WASA directors to ensure the supply of diesel to operate generators for powering tube wells in during electricity load shedding, but in vain,” said Zahid Rafiq, a resident of Taj Pura.
He said that generator operators have also been instructed to be on duty round the clock to ensure continuous water supply to citizens even during power outages.
“But when we ask generator operators why they fail to switch on the generators installed, they claim to have run out of fuel,” said Rafiq.
When contacted, WASA MD Chaudhry Naseer Ahmed said directions have been issued to Iqbal Town, Ganj Bakhsh Town and Shalimar Town directors operations to ensure that back-up generators are operational in case of power outages.
“The directors have been notified to ensure attendance of generator operators and fuel for generators as well as stand-by water tankers for providing water to the people during power outages.”
SCHEDULE FOR MORE LOADSHEDDING:
He added that Lahore Development Authority (LDA)’s wing TEPA is involved in several developmental projects across the city and from August 23 to August 26, electricity will be suspended in various areas from 6 am to 6pm.
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