Water gap

Water shortages in Rawalpindi have severely disrupted the daily lives of its residents. Over the past week, numerous neighbourhoods, including Satellite Town, Saddar, and Chaklala, have faced irregular water supply, forcing people to rely on expensive private tankers or endure long queues at public water points. The situation arises from a combination of factors, including ageing infrastructure, mismanagement of water resources and increasing population pressure. According to some reports, Rawalpindi’s water demand exceeds 70 million gallons per day, while the supply hovers around 40 million gallons. Leaking pipelines and illegal connections further exacerbate the crisis, wasting precious resources. The recent heatwave has only intensified the problem, leaving families, especially in low-income areas, struggling to meet basic needs.

The authorities must act swiftly to address this crisis. Short-term measures, such as repairing pipelines and cracking down on water theft, are crucial. Long-term solutions, including upgrading the water distribution system and investing in reservoirs like the delayed dam projects, are equally vital. Public awareness campaigns on water conservation could also help reduce water wastage. I urge the water authorities and the provincial government to prioritise this issue and ensure a reliable water supply for Rawalpindi’s residents. The right to water cannot become another luxury.

Muteeba Rehman

Abbottabad