20000112

Karachi Central,

West without

water for

five days

RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: Most parts of District Central and West remained dry for the last five days, including Jumat-ul-Wida and Eid-ul-Fitr, as the KWSB failed to supply water to these areas, residents told Business Recorder on Tuesday.

They said that Block 4/F and sub blocks A, E, B, of Nazimabad, Dastigir Colony, Federal 'B' Area, and part of Ancholi Society remained dry throughout the Holy month of Ramazan and the residents were forced to buy water from the water tanker suppliers. On Eid day water prices were increased to Rs 400 per tanker to Rs 500 per tanker. Water supply to Nazimabad has not resumed till filing of this report.

The complaint centre set up by the KWSB at its offices did not respond to our calls, the residents said.

The kutchi abadis in Nazimabad area, such as Mujahid Colony and Musa Colony, and adjoining areas also remained dry throughout these five days.

The growing water shortage is attributed to the collusion between the water tanker suppliers and the officials of the KWSB responsible for water distribution.

On Eid day a large number of private water tankers were seen parked outside and all around KWSB water hydrant at the Sakhi Hasan roundabout. The water tanker owners/drivers said that they were greasing the palm and getting water from the hydrant. "Our price is inclusive of the money we pay to the KWSB staff," said one of the many private water tankers operator outside Sakhi Hasan KWSB hydrant.

With the change of the managing director, the Karachiites were expecting relief at least for a few days, but that had not happened. Even the complaint staff did not attend complaints/telephone calls on Sunday (Eid day) and Monday.