KARACHI: Residents of Gulshan Iqbal Block 7 are facing an acute water crisis, compelling them to purchase water from the tanker mafia at exorbitant rates. Former Chairman of Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) and Patron-in-Chief of Pakistan Business Group Organization (PBGO), Farhan-ur-Rehman, expressed grave concern over the water scarcity that has persisted for several months.
According to Farhan-ur-Rehman, the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) has been supplying water to the area drop by drop, leaving the residents at the mercy of the tanker mafia. This dire situation has forced the community to resort to buying water from tankers at inflated prices, exacerbating their hardships.
Farhan-ur-Rehman urged Sindh Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah and Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab to take immediate action to address the water crisis in Gulshan Iqbal Block 7. He called on them to intervene personally and ensure an uninterrupted water supply to the residents, emphasizing the need for prompt resolution.
Mani, the distribution in-charge for the area, attributed the water supply issue to broken machines causing low water pressure. However, Farhan-ur-Rehman stated that despite installing new machines with the help of technical in-charge Mazhar after meeting with the MD Water Board, the residents are still deprived of adequate water supply.
Allegations were made against the water board staff, accusing them of colluding with the tanker mafia to deliberately halt the water supply and profit from the residents’ predicament. Farhan-ur-Rehman pointed out that a nearby hydrant seemingly had an abundance of water, but the residents were compelled to rely on costly tankers for their daily needs.
Despite attempts to contact XCN WasifFarooqui for a response, there was no communication, raising suspicions that the situation may have been manipulated to benefit the tanker mafia through a clandestine contract.
Farhan-ur-Rehman earnestly requested the authorities to take effective action in resolving the water crisis in Gulshan Iqbal Block 7 Quba Mosque. He called for the removal of those obstructing the water supply and insisted on strict measures against the water board staff involved in the alleged malpractice.
As the residents continue to struggle with the scarcity of this essential resource, the urgent appeal for intervention and remediation remains paramount to ensure a steady and equitable water supply to the affected community.
