CHAKWAL, June 4: A large number of women belonging to different localities of Kallar Kahar town stormed the TMA office on Saturday in protest against the shortage of water in the area.

They were of the view that the residents were facing severe water shortage and concerned authorities were not taking the issue seriously. They threatened that they would block Chakwal-Sargodha Road and Motorway if their demand was not met.

They said that they were going through the worst agony as the drinking water was not available and the residents could not take bath and wash their clothes. They said that they had to go far off to fetch drinking water.

Meanwhile, Tehsil Municipal Officer Fiaz Warraich held negotiations with the protesting women and assured that the water shortage would be resolved soon. At this, the protesters dispersed peacefully.

It may be mentioned here that the elected representatives of the area never took any interest to resolve the water shortage in the area. “Every politician made big promises but no one took any action”, Arshad, a resident said.

Talking to Dawn TMO Fiaz Waraich said that TMA did not have enough funds to solve the problem. “It requires Rs30 million,” he said. He further said that it was the responsibility of the local MPs to solve the issue. He said that work on a water supply scheme was started previous year but it was left half done. On the other hand, the water sellers are making the most of this crisis.

When contacted, MPA Ifat Liaquat told Dawn that she was trying her best to resolve the problem. “I’m fully aware of this grave issue and I have brought it into the notice of the chief minister”, she said and added that the people would soon listen a good news.