NAWABSHAH, Oct 22: Residents of many localities of the city are facing problems due to non-availability of water as the fire brigade have gone on strike.

These areas included Kamalia colony, Taj colony, Mohammadi colony, Mehran colony, Society, Camp No.2, Khair Shah colony, Ghulam Haider Shah colony, Golimar and others. All these areas get drinking water from the fire brigade as water supply does not reach their.

The fire brigade said they were on strike against MPA Tariq Masood Arain who had beaten the fire officer Ghulam Abid on Tuesday.

When contacted a man at the fire brigade office said fire officer Ghulam Abid had applied for four months leave after the incident.

He said the MPA came at the fire brigade office on Tuesday and asked for a water tanker for his factory on which he was informed that two fire brigade vehicles were out of order since months and one had gone for supply of water.

He said the MPA’s henchmen kidnapped fire officer Ghulam Abid and took him to the Otaq (guest house) of MPA where they beat him up.

He said one van was out of order since last five years and other since last two months and they had no van for emergencies.

He said there was only a tractor trolley which was being used to supply water to residences and in case fire broke out any where, they could not provide any service.

When contacted MPA Tariq Masood’s personal assistant Malik Amir denied the incident. He said the MPA had requested the staff for water but it not only misbehaved but also threatened him and said that there was no water.

Mr Malik said allegations of fire brigade staff were baseless and no man of the MPA went to the fire brigade office.

TEACHERS: About 27 commission pass teachers of 13 boys and girls schools working under the middle school project have not been paid their salaries since last four months.