ISLAMABAD – The residents of sector G-8 and G-9 have been suffering from water shortage for the last two weeks.
Water shortage and continuous power cuts have doubled the troubles of the residents of these sectors who are already upset with the unprecedented rise in mercury level. “A man, suffered by the scorching heat and direly wishes to take shower, but it makes him mad when he finds no water there”, said a resident of G-8/4, who was much angry with both Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) and Capital Development Authority (CDA).
On the other hand, officials in the civic agency also blame Iesco for their inability to meet with the public aspirations. The Authority is trying best to cope with the situation but 10-hours long power outage is the major obstacle in its way, said an official of CDA. “In the G-series of sectors, water is supplied from tube wells and pumping stations, which required regular supply of electricity”, the official added.
He said water supply to the remaining sectors was not dependent on electricity; however, the exhaustion of Rawal Lake reservoir due to the increased demand and persistent dry weather was causing difficulty in water supply to these sectors.
He said that CDA had requested the IESCO for increased power supply for lessening difficulties of the residents. Besides, the residents are supplied water through tankers from which one can fetch water on come-first-serve basis.
He was of the view that public are misusing water and requested them not to waste it by irrigating gardens and servicing the cars and cooperate with the Authority during the summer season. The residents urged the Authority to ensure water supply for easing their sufferings.
Online adds: Chairman Capital Development Authority, Farkhand Iqbal has said Chinese experts have arrived at Islamabad to resolve the water crisis.
Talking to media men on his visit to Sector I-8, he said a project of three-year duration would start in September in collaboration with China.
The completion of the plan will enable water supply of 2 million gallon, on daily basis, and this will ensure resolution of water shortage in the city, he claimed. He observed water crisis in the city aroused due to expansion of the federal capital, and lack of proper planning to deal with the increased demand of water. When Simly Dam was built, Islamabad comprised only a few sectors, but now the situation is quite different, he maintained. He said the city dwellers should strive for making Islamabad greener and cleaner.
He pointed out to the problem of traffic jams saying it was caused by those careless drivers who park their cars ignoring the ‘no parking sign’. He also vowed to resolve the problems of the city with dedication.