KARACHI, April 14: Seven persons, including a minor girl, have fallen ill with the use of contaminated water in various localities of SITE Town while many other areas have been facing acute shortage of water for the last many days.Residents in Union Council No 7 of the SITE Town said the localities were getting sewage-mixed water which, they said, was causing various diseases. They said seven persons were admitted to the hospitals in serious condition. Despite repeated complaints lodged with the water board officials, no action had been taken to resolve the issue.

They warned that people would take to streets and hold demonstrations if the issue was not resolved immediately.

Inhabitants of the areas said announcements were being made on loudspeakers asking them to avoid use of water, as it was unfit for human consumption.

The complainants said the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board staff in the area were holding the KESC responsible stating that load-shedding was the main cause for short supply. The area residents asked the authorities concerned to take notice of the situation and solve the problem.

KWSB Chief Engineer at SITE Town, when contacted, said he was not aware about water contamination. However, he said the problem would be solved on priority basis. About the shortage of water, he said there was a technical problem and KWSB staff was making efforts to solve it as soon as possible. He asked water consumers to avoid misuse of water.

Reports of water shortage were also received from North Karachi, Landhi Bilal Colony, Bhitai Colony, Orangi Town Islam Chowk, L-Block, PECHS and Akhtar Colony. —Staff Reporter