KARACHI, June 11: Protesters blocked Keamari Road on Wednesday to express their resentment over water shortage in their area. The public protest disrupted traffic, particularly movement of heavy vehicles from and to the port.

On receiving information, City Nazim Naimatullah Khan reached the area and spoke to the protesters. He told them that water shortage was a problem that was being faced by the entire city and not only of Keamari. However, he added, if water quota of Keamari was found curtailed, the same would be restored.

He told the protesters that road blockade was not the right way to press for solution to a problem.

Mr Khan asked the Town Nazim and UC Nazims to ensure prevention of such activities to avoid any law and order problem and a smooth flow of traffic.

After talks with the city Nazim, the protesters lifted the blockade and dispersed peacefully.

Later, the Nazim chaired a high level meeting at the office of Water Board. The Nazim of Keamari Town, Zulfiqar Younis, Nazims of UCs in the shortage-hit areas, MD of Water Board and other officers attended the meeting.

The meeting decided that in order to overcome the water shortage in Keamari Town, illegal connections, including those of ice factories and commercial plazas, be removed and alternative supply arrangements made.

The Nazims complained that valvemen often tampered with valves to decrease water pressure. On their complaint, the Water Board authorities transferred both the concerned valvemen, Abdur Rauf and Shahid.

It was also decided that a Board officer would remain present at the valve facility on the day of water supply to Keamari.

A meeting would be held at the office of the Board’s MD on Saturday to discuss strategies aimed at resolving the problem. A long-term planning would also be finalized.—PPI