KARACHI, June 9: The problem of water shortage in some parts of Lyari Town has aggravated over the past two weeks and the authorities concerned seem to be absolutely indifferent although such a situation in past has led to street protests and agitation by the affected population.

Some of the worst affected areas are Baghdadi, Shah Beg Lane and Daryabad union councils where residents have been complaining of scant water supply for many days.

A social activist living in Kalri locality said that authorities were paying only lip-service to the water shortage issue of the area as they were yet to fulfil their commitments of practical measures in this regard. The affected people still depended on highly expensive tanker water to meet their essential requirements, he added.

“The situation, which is aggravating day by day, is bound to spark off water riots if nothing is done in this regard immediately,” he warned.

On its parts, the KWSB maintains that Lyari Town is supplied 13 million gallons per day.

However, the NGOs operating in the town contradict the claim and say that the supply is not more than eight million gallons. Residents also support the NGOs’ estimate.

While the shortage in Ali Mohammad Mohalla, Kalri, Shah Beg Lane, Darayabad, Nawabad. Baghdadi and several other localities has become perennial, complaints of scant supply continue to be made by people of other Lyari areas.