KARACHI, May 21: Taking notice of water shortage in various city areas, provincial Chief Secretary K. B. Rind on Wednesday directed the officers of Karachi Water and Sewerage Board and the city government to ensure announcement of water closure schedule through media and alternative arrangements.

He also directed them that full attendance of personnel deputed at Valve Points be ensured and surprise visits paid for the purpose.

He issued these directive after a delegation of citizens, led by a social worker Haji Muhammad Ayub Alwari, met him at his office and apprised him of water supply situation in the city.

Mr Rind said that installation of a desalination plant was essential to overcome the problem. He said that work on K-III and some other projects was under way and its completion would help solve the problem to some extent in near future.

Mr Rind said that keeping in view the future demand of water, only those projects should be considered which could cater to the needs of people over a period of 20 to 25 years.

He attributed the scarcity to a high rate of population growth and said that experts were busy formulating an effective strategy to cope with the situation.

Among other major reasons, he observed, is the non-payment or delayed payment of dues by consumers.—PPI/APP