WATER and sewerage pipelines have been damaged in parts of Rawalpindi`s Satellite Town area due to the inappropriate construction of a high-rise plaza in the neighbourhood. The supply of fresh water, as such, remains affected as sewage is seeping through the water pipelines, causing health hazards. The poor sanitation infrastructure and the discharge of sewage into the water tanks have increased the risk of bacterial and parasitic contamination.
Despite repeated verbal and written reminders to the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) and the local administration, no action has been taken yet.
The residents have to arrange water through tankers every now and then despite paying the water bills regularly.Instead of doing what was needed, officials have discontinued water supply through the main pipeline. Such situations arise due to the impact of illegal construction of high-rise plazas without proper approval, and then the demolition of such sites, resulting in damage to water and sewerage lines that lie underground.
All the relevant authorities should work together to take the required initiatives to ensure access to clean and safe drinking water to the residents of the affected area.
