HYDERABAD, May 26: The issue of non-availability of water in parts of the city dominated proceedings of the district council on Wednesday as the members accused Wasa of selling water to factories.

The members said that the situation had become serious but Water and Sanitation Agency and district government officials were least concerned about the plight of people of Hyderabad.

Rauf Jafri complained that water was not being distributed judiciously. He alleged that in his area, sub-engineer Naseer Ahmad and two operators were selling water to ice factories, instead of ensuring regular supply to people. Later, he led a walkout of the session and the proceedings were suspended for some time.

Q. Hakim, Rana Mehmood Ali Khan and Saleem Khan supported him, saying that action should be taken against the sub-engineer and the area SDO of Wasa.

Majeed Qureshi and Jiando Soomro also complained that Wasa did not supply water to their areas and that water was being provided to a ghee factory in the latter's area.

Yusuf Qureshi and Ibrahim Chishti attributed the crisis to non-release of Rs500 million of the governor's grant for three talukas as the package dealt with water supply and sewerage schemes.

He urged the district Nazim to consult the council members on the issue and call for a struggle till the package was released as it could solve water-related problems.

Convener Nawab Rashid Ali Khan directed the council officer to send a letter to the district Nazim, seeking action against the sub-engineer and operators of Wasa. A newly-elected Nazim, Dr Rahila Magsi, who was welcomed by the council, alleged that the district Nazim had withheld payment of compensation to rain-affected people although cheques had been signed by the EDO, revenue.

Women councillors staged walkout from the council on two occasions on the ground that their issues were not being discussed. Shahnaz Baqai protested over the Ayesha Park issue, saying that a resolution should have been adopted in the matter.