Rawalpindi: Water pipelines in ‘nullahs’ spreading diseases

[Naveed Yaseen]

Sewage mixing with drinking water due to leakage
by Malik Ayub Sumbal
The inhabitants of Rawalpindi have demanded of Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) to replace old water supply pipelines passing through nullahs and drains because the sewage is contaminating the drinking water resulting in spread of waterborne diseases among the people.

Despite several complaints launched by the inhabitants of Sadiqabad, Faizabad, Pirwadhai, Asghar Mall Scheme, Khayaban-e-Sir Syed and Saidpur Road, the Wasa has literally failed to replace these leaking pipelines.

Yasir Ali, a resident of Sadiqabad, while taking to ‘The News’ said, “Wasa has failed to replace the leaking water pipelines passing through nullahs because the water supply lines are consequently contaminating the drinking water. The situation is quite precarious and people are at risk of falling victim to waterborne diseases.”

He said the people of Sadiqabad have no option, but to drink this water because the water filtration plant in their area is also out of order.

Kamran Ahmed, a resident of Pirwadhai said, “The water supply pipelines should be kept away from drains or nullahs.”

When contacted by ‘The News’ Wasa Director (Sanitation) Ikram Soban said, “We are replacing all these pipelines that are leaking and spreading diseases.” However, he also said that it was not possible for Wasa to separate sanitation and water supply pipelines due to congested streets and presence of Sui gas pipelines and telephone lines.

Talking to ‘The News’ National Institute of Health (NIH) Chief Nutritionists Dr Riffat Ayesha Anees said, “The mixing of drinking water and sewage causes waterborne diseases and people should avoid using this kind of water. In case there is no choice, but to use this water then the water should at least be boiled before use.”

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=170474