MCI finally wakes up to worsening water crisis

Author: By Muhammad Asad Chaudhry

ISLAMABAD: The Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) has finally woken up to worsening water crisis in the capital city as it has decided to float 76 tenders to fix faulty tube wells.

Currently, the capital city is facing water shortage of 50 million gallons per day against the demand of 110 million gallons per day. The MCI has also reduced water supply to the city, as two water reservoirs – Simly Dam and Khanpur Dam – are fast approaching their dead level.

At present, water level in Simly Dam is 2,259 feet and 1,927 feet in Khanpur Dam while the dead levels of both the dams are 2,233 feet and 1,910 feet, respectively.

Around 48 of 192 total tube wells are out of orders while lines losses is also another major contributor to water shortage in Islamabad.

“We have repaired 22 tube wells while the remaining will be made operations soon,” Nasir Jameel Butt, director Water Supply Directorate, told Daily Times.

“This is alarming… June has already begun but so far the MCI could not fix faulty tube wells, which is a major source of water,” said a MCI official, requesting anonymity.

“The tube wells should have been repaired before the start of summer, however, the MCI still can improve the water supply system by fixing at tube well,” he said. Ali Awan, a MCI representative, criticised the Islamabad mayor, saying: “The administration has failed to fulfil water needs of the city.”

When contacted, Chief Metropolitan Officer Asad Kayani confirmed that the MCI would be floated to repair 30 tube wells as remaining 18 tube wills could not be made operational.