Daily Times

LAHORE: The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) would place 260 generators on water pumping stations (Tube wells) to ensure water supply to citizens in the upcoming month of Ramadan.

A WASA official said in order to overcome the water shortage issue in the month of Ramadan, the authority has taken some concrete steps to ensure supply of water without any breakage and to keep the surrounding areas clean from sewerage water. He said that the demand of water has increased from 40 to 60 percent due to the increasing heat, adding that the citizens are advised not to waste water during the season.

He said that WASA has given directives to all officials to handle the water situation in Ramadan, adding that WASA has also constituted committees to keep an eye on the concerned officials. According to their SoP, tube wells would run 18 hours on daily basis and in case of load shedding, generators would be used to nonstop supply of water. Area supervisor would ensure the presence of tub well operator on the pumping station and supply of fuel.

Its pertinent to mention that WASA covers just 40 percent area of the whole city, however Model Town, Chauburji, Cantonment, Defence, Wahdat Colony, Wapda Town and other several areas do not came under its jurisdiction, which are instead headed by Public Works Department (PWD) and other concerned authorities.

Several areas of the city are facing acute water shortage due to the ongoing development projects and mismanagement in operating tube wells. According to details, out of 516 tub wells, 106 have completed their lives but are still functional as there was no alternative resource. However, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) would replace these tub wells as soon as the feasibility report is completed. Approximately 45 percent water is being received from 106 tub wells despite of their poor condition.

Meanwhile, district administration and WASA have jointly issued toll free numbers for registering complaints regarding water shortage.