Rawalpindi:Despite receiving hefty funding, the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) continues to face allegations of failing to provide water supply to city dwellers, particularly at Adiala Road.
According to the residents, the Punjab government has consistently allocated substantial funds for water supply projects. One of the largest initiatives involved an allocation of Rs470 million for the installation of tube wells at Adiala Road.
Residents claim the tube wells were successfully installed and are capable of producing water. However, they allege that poor management and administrative negligence within WASA have prevented the projects from delivering the intended benefits.
Although pipelines have been laid across the area, many households say their taps remain dry. Some residents further allege that regular water supply is provided only to consumers who make unofficial extra payments.
The situation has deteriorated significantly over the past six months, forcing many families to rely on private water tankers. Residents say the growing dependence on tanker services has strengthened the so-called tanker mafia, with prices ranging between Rs3,500 and Rs5,000 per tanker.
In certain localities, residents said WASA Sub-Engineer Muhammad Tufail informed them that water would be supplied for only one hour each week. They claim that even during this limited supply period, the water pressure is so low that most households can fill only a single bucket.
Responding to the complaints, WASA Managing Director Aziz Ullah Khan told ‘The News’ that he is personally reviewing the issues and making every effort to resolve them. He said all assistant directors have been strictly directed to ensure a regular water supply, warning that disciplinary action will be taken against officials who fail to perform their duties.
Residents also alleged that whenever inspection teams visit from Lahore, officials present an inaccurate picture of the ground situation. They have urged the Punjab government to conduct a comprehensive audit of funds allocated to WASA and investigate the implementation of water supply projects.
