Severe water shortage occurs in CCB localities

Rawalpindi: Several localities falling in vicinity of Chaklala Cantonment Board are hit hard with the water shortage in the summer, the citizens are passing through a tough time due to non-availability of this basic facility despite paying tariff on quarterly basis.

Off the worst areas, which are badly hit by water shortage, are Talhi Mohri, Ghousia Chowk, Harley Street, Dhok Jumma, Dheri Hassanabad, Akram Shaheed Colony, Adiala, Jahangir Road, Dhok Chiragh Din, Chamanzar etc.

The residents of Talhi Moari, Chaudhry Sohail, Amjad Abbasi, Mohd Imran, Rashid, Shakeel, Ibrahim Khan besides good number of other people told that they are residing in the area for more than 10 years, however, did not witness problem of water scarcity here as being faced in the current summer.

In order to lodge their complaints for resolution of the problem, these residents have reportedly visited the civic body office and apprised about the issue since the start of May this year.

However, more than three months have elapsed the water shortage still remains there. Similarly, the matter was also debated with the vice president of CCB, Raja Mohammad Irfan several times. But no positive result has been seen and the citizens of this locality are suffering badly, the complainants alleged.

Moreover, the residents of Harley Street, Dheri Hassanabad while giving views alleged about the water shortage problem occurring in their area as well. In previous years, committee water was being supplied after break of one day. However, since the start of current summer season, we are receiving water after interval of four to five days. Despite this the CCB authorities are claiming water tariff on daily basis which we are paying without any delay, the inhabitants of these two localities alleged.

People of other mentioned localities falling in CCB territory also made complaints of similar nature.

When approached, vice president of CCB, Raja Mohammad Irfan agreed the fact that the problem of water scarcity exist in areas of CCB. However, he held RCB responsible of it. Raja Irfan alleged that RCB has suspended share of 0.4 million gallon of water supply to CCB for the last three months. The matter was deliberated as he told with the station commander of Cantonment Boards who is also president of two civic bodies along with the Cantonment Executive Officer, Chaklala before Eidul Azha. The Station Commander has assured to take notice of the matter and if found correct would direct RCB to revive the share of water supply to CCB, Raja Irfan stated.

On approaching RCB secretary, Qaisar Mahmood who is also spokesman, said that amount of Rs52 million outstanding dues stands against CCB on account of Bulk Water Supply from Khanpur. RCB through a letter recently has asked CCB to pay the dues as the Audit authorities are pressing hard for immediate recovery of funds outstanding against CCB. From July 4, this year RCB releasing share of 109.60 million gallon (m/g) to CCB and 0.80 m/g per day as compared to 218.80 m/g from January - June this year and 0.40 m/g per day from January to June, 2019. However, due to non-payment of dues, the share reduced after July 4, current year, Qaisar Mahmood said.