KAMALIA-People expressed grave concerns over indifference of authorities to the poor sewerage system in Kamalia City and surroundings.
"Poor condition of sewerage system is a proof of indifference and apathy of the elected representative and TMA towards the public miseries," residents of different areas complained during during a survey conducted by this reporter.
The residents of Khursheedabad, Islam Nagar, Bagai Wala, Chicha Watni Road and Dolma Thatha localities told this correspondent that they have been suffering a great ordeal due to poor sewerage system over the past one decade.
They said that non-functioning of the sewerage system caused accumulation of filthy water in these areas which not only spoiled the underground drinking water but also seeping into houses, threatening their collapse in a slight earthquake or rain. They informed that the government had issued a grant of Rs38 million for the rehabilitation of sewerage system and new sewerage lines were also laid in these areas about three year ago.
"Despite spending this huge amount, residents of Mohallah Khursheedabad and Bagai Wala are still deprived of objective for which the lines were installed as the areas have been submerged in accumulated water and sewage ponds can be seen everywhere, especially along the main roads," they pointed out.
Talking about the major downpour, experienced in the city and surroundings for the first time about four days ago, they regretted that the residents of these areas suffered heavily due to the poor sewerage system as rainwater entered houses and people had to take refuge on rooftops to avoid dirty water.
"The rainwater also entered shops in Iqbal Bazaar, Saddr Bazaar and on Railway Road and destroyed goods worth millions of rupees," they said, adding that due to Sunday, TMA staff was also not available to help them and people had to deal with the situation on self-help basis.
They demanded Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take notice of the grave situation and direct the official concerned for rehabilitation of sewerage system as soon as possible. They also demanded action against the officials for using substandard materials in the construction of sewerage lines and misappropriation of funds.
Meanwhile, Kamalia AC Ch Muhammad Khalid assured resolution of the public problems at the earliest.