FOR the past few months the residents of Sukkur city have been suffering from an acute shortage of water. Whatever supply is being received is erratic and extremely unhygienic.

Despite living on the right bank of the river Indus, the city’s inhabitants are troubled by water issues. For the past few months the municipal corporation has been providing muddy and contaminated water which is unfit for drinking and a great hazard to health.

Owing to this situation there has been a drastic increase in diarrhoea and cholera cases in and around Sukkur. The residents have no option except travel long distances to collect drinking water from hand pumps of underground water to meet their needs as it is beyond their capacity to purchase costly mineral water.

Almost a week ago even the supply of this turbid water has stopped adding to the people’s woes. Citizens have lodged several complaints with the municipal authorities regarding the suspension of water supply and its poor quality but to no avail.

Sukkur municipal officials should take immediate action as should the Sindh government as this is the third largest city of the province.

Bisma Shamsi

Sukkur

Published in Dawn, August 24th, 2019