PTI MNA Dr Arif Alvi. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD NOMAN/EXPRESS
The party leaders proposed a plan during a press conference held by PTI leaders, MNA Arif Alvi, MPA Samar Ali Khan and MPA Khurram Sher Zaman. The party members put forward proposals for improving water supplies.
While addressing the press conference, Alvi said that the party is concerned that Karachi will face severe water shortage in the summer season this year. He added that the party was facing pressure from their voters to take some measures for it.
Precious commodity: KWSB accused of manipulating city’s water shortage
Referring to their plans, Alvi said that the party members have prepared short-term, mid-term and long-term plans to overcome the water shortage issue.
"We recently visited Dhabeji pumping station to monitor the process closely, and we came to know that Dhabeji is supposed to pump 450 million gallons per day (MGD), while it is only pumping maximum 420MGD to Karachi," Alvi said. Talking about the poor condition of the water pumps, Alvi said that the pumps are old and need to be replaced or repaired. He added that stand-by electricity from Thatta can save water from being wasted into the Arabian Sea.
The party leader criticised the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board for not taking strict action against the hydrant mafia. Alvi demanded the three water hydrants at National Highway, Quaidabad and Lalabad to be demolished, and added that they steal water from the main 54 inch supply line coming from Pipri.
Water woes: Poor planning leaves Sukkur residents dry
Alvi claimed that illegal connections, estimated at 20MGD, have been given to factory owners in Site. Cantonment Board Clifton and Defence Housing Authority are being supplied with only 5MGD water, he said, adding that as per the contract they are to receive minimum of 9MGD daily. He also asked the public to use water with care and said, "Think twice before wasting water."
While discussing the mid-term plans, the PTI leaders proposed to purchase four new water pumps for Dhabeji pumping station, each having a capacity of 25MGD. Alvi also criticised the government for not completing the K-4 water project and accused the Sindh government of showing negligence towards the project. The party proposed the completion of K-4 water project as one of the long-term plans to tackle the water crisis. Alvi also suggested that the government should consider installing desalination plants for the city. He claimed that Karachi gives a major share in the revenue of the country, but its citizens are crying for water. Alvi said that Khuram Sher Zaman and Samar Ali Khan will be presenting these proposals in the Sindh Assembly. Zaman criticised Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) for not highlighting the water crises problem that the city is facing.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 24th, 2016.
COMMENTS (1)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ