KARACHI, Dec 29: The operators of water tankers taking advantage of the increase in people’s requirements on the occasion of Eidul Azha, have raised the rates from Rs400 to Rs550 and Rs600 and that of saltish water from Rs300 to Rs400.

Some of the tankers are supplying muddy water obtained from the Hub canal. This water, cannot be used for at least one day after it is filled to allow the mud to settle.

The rate for this type of water is also not less than Rs400. About forty per cent (40 PC) of the total population of Orangi town is meeting its requirements through this type of water.

Residents in the township are upset with the increase in rates and demanded that there should be an official check on prices. The residents pointed out that in Baldia Town the local bodies elected representatives had arranged common distribution centres where poor families could obtain water free of cost, but there was no such arrangement in Orangi.