RECENTLY intellectuals, journalists, community representatives and those from civil society organisations took part in dialogue at Johi, Dadu district. It was arranged by Sujag Sansar, Interactive Resource Centre and Church World Service.

It was noticed that the national water policy envisaged provision of safe drinking water facility to 93 per cent population by 2015, provision of minimum 20 litres per capita to rural dwellers and 40 litres to urban dwellers, including provision at least one hand-pump to 250 people. However, there is no implementation on these points whatsoever!

The speakers said the national policy had stated that water filter plants at tehsil and district levels would be established by 2007 in phase one and at the union council level in phase II. But in Dadu district all filter plants became dysfunctional within a short time.

The forum also provided a good opportunity to analyse the national water policy 2009 document.

It is unfortunate that good policies with such targets are handed over to indifferent executive authorities and reluctant implementing officials, which is why easily achievable targets remain unachieved.

The national water policy also envisaged that community members would be trained for effective running of water supply schemes and given water testing kits for each water supply scheme. But this was never done.

It is time civil society and the government took the issue of drinking water seriously, as sweet water resources are depleting fast. Pakistan has already been listed as a water-stressed country due to unrealistic policies, poor implementation and non-participatory approach of the government.

GULSHER PANHWERJohi