May 03, 2008	Saturday	Rabi-us-Sani 26, 1429

SUKKUR, May 2: Water crisis in Sukkur entered 14th day on Fridday but no corrective measures have been taken by the taluka municipal administration, which is sparking anger among the people.

With the advent of summer, people of Sukkur have to face dual problem of power loadshedding and acute shortage of water. Residents of Gharibabad, Clock Tower, Neem-ki-Charhi, Minara Road, Queens Road, Shahi Bazaar, Sarafa Bazaar, New Pind, New Goth and Old Sukkur are the worst sufferers.

When contacted, Municipal Water Works in-charge Khuda Bux Samtio blamed Hesco for water shortage and said that due to six to eight hours long power outages, they were not able to ensure uninterrupted supply of water.

Referring to obsolete infrastructure, he said that functioning age of the water supply pipeline network had expired in 2,000. On the other hand, he added, population of the city had increased manifolds. He claimed that suction pumps installed at the water works were working satisfactorily.

Sukkur City Taluka Nazim Mohammad Naeem Siddiqui also held power loadshedding responsible for water crisis and said that due to power outages and voltage fluctuation, sometimes their motors and other electrical equipment were damaged.

He claimed that they were capable of maintaining smooth water supply if Hesco ensured uninterrupted power supply.