Miserable water situation perturbs residents of D-12

Islamabad

As Pakistan makes progress in provision of clean water in rural areas, residents of Sector D-12 got together at D-12 Markaz to protest against the miserable situation they face due to the absence of this basic facility in their sector.

The sector, launched about 28 years, ago still awaits basic infrastructure to provide clean water to the residents mainly, as claimed by the residents, due to the lack of interest and negligence of the previous Capital Development Authority (CDA) regimes at all levels. They claim that contractor exploited the situation and lingered on with the status quo for long.

The sector, which now houses 600 households, depends on boring or tankers for their day-to-day water affairs. “As a big population of Islamabad now depends on boring for continuous supply of water, the boring hole dries up quickly. Those who rely on tanker, have to depend on private tankers which cost around Rs3,500. Calling a CDA tanker is a tedious long process as the relevant department hardly responds to the requests, especially during summers,” said one resident while talking to ‘The News’.

The residents said the pace of work started accelerating since Anser Aziz took charge as Chairman CDA. “He took personal interest and after having several meetings with CDA officials and Residents the development of the sector picked up momentum. However, the work seemed to be at halt again,” said Dr Iqtidar Hussain Dara, a resident while speaking at the gathering of residents.

It was shared at the meeting that contract for development of Sector D-12 Islamabad was awarded to MAB in 2005 with a stipulated completion timeframe of one and a half year. “Under contract terms, work should have been completed somewhere in 2007. Unfortunately, even till 2017 the development work of D-12 is not yet complete,” said speakers.

They shared that the incomplete work done is substandard that is adding even more misery to the residents’ life.  “Till now, the CDA has been denying provision of water supply for residents and, except false promises, there is no tangible water supply plan. Water is the basic human right and cannot be denied or delayed on any grounds whatsoever,” said Dr Dara.

The residents shared that sewerage system and other basic infrastructure has not been developed completely and whatever is developed is choked. Gaping manholes and broken sewerage pipes are common eyesore. Sewerage, electricity, gas, and PTCL infrastructure is partially available in D-12 even after lapse of 28 years. Sewerage plant has not been planned and sewer waste from 600 homes is left to follow its own course in various parts of Islamabad.

In addition to that, they said that newly constructed roads have been partially damaged by the recent spell of rain in Islamabad. Poor drainage on roads has created water puddles on main arteries. The roads are caving in because of inferior landfill, missing retaining walls, and below-specifications compacting and carpeting. 

“We, the residents of Sector D-12 Islamabad request your intervention in getting water supply for our sector. CDA is not providing water from existing resources for Sector D-12 Islamabad for reasons that do not seem to have any logic. Non-existence of water supply has created immense hardships for the residents of this sector. Most residents are dependent on tanker mafia who charge exorbitant rates for supplying water. Underground water resources are limited and that too are contaminated because of defective sewerage system laid by contractor. This is painful to say that basic requirements have yet not been provided in spite of repeated requests and even pursuance at the highest levels in CDA,” said Dr Dara.

Talking to ‘The News’, Director Public Relations for CDA Mazhar Hussain said for past six months, CDA has given special attention on the development work of new sectors. “The development work on water supply, sewerage and other facilities is underway in D-12 and would hopefully be completed within next six months,” he said. Talking about the 11 years of delay, he said he has no knowledge of the reasons of delay done during past years.