Pindiites seek relief from persistent utility shortages

Rawalpindi: Residents of Rawalpindi have once again urged the government to address long-standing civic issues, particularly the shortages of water, electricity, and gas, which have worsened with seasonal changes. Speaking to The News on Sunday, citizens expressed concern over what they described as a persistent neglect of essential services.

With the arrival of summer, the city is facing an acute water shortage, leading private water tanker operators to significantly raise their prices. Tankers that previously cost less are now being sold at Rs2,400 to Rs2,600 for small loads and up to Rs5,000 for larger ones, putting additional financial pressure on households.

Similarly, residents reported prolonged electricity load-shedding during peak summer months and extremely low or no gas pressure during the winter. These issues persist despite citizens regularly paying utility bills, they said.

Many residents believe that while a considerable portion of the budget is allocated to development projects through MNAs and MPAs, essential services continue to be overlooked. “Basic necessities such as clean drinking water, affordable electricity, and consistent gas supply should be a priority,” one resident said. Citizens have also called for accountability across civic departments. They voiced concerns about mismanagement and inefficiency, stating that despite budgetary support, the delivery of public services remains inadequate. “There is a need for internal checks and better oversight to ensure public funds are utilized effectively,” another residen

While acknowledging that the government has allocated significant resources to municipal services, residents stressed the importance of improved governance and transparency in service delivery. They appealed for a review of current operations in relevant departments to restore public trust and improve living conditions in the city.