KARACHI, Nov 19: Hepatitis C is fast spreading in different localities of Jamshed Town due to supply of contaminated drinking water through obsolete and leaking supply lines.

Mohammad Ajaz Abassi, Secretary-General of the United Social Welfare Association, complained that the water board officials were not paying any heed to their complaints.

He said the main valve of the supply line was located near a garbage dump from where leaking pipes supplied sewage mixed water to different areas. He also complained of a persistent water shortage since 1994.

The worst affected areas were Chanesar Goth, Swat Charbagh Colony, Mohammadi Masjid Road, Mehmood Shah Bukhari Road, Masoom Shah Colony, Liaquat Asharat Colony, Allama Iqbal Colony, E. Market Block and some localities of PECHS.

Residents of other union council have also complained of water shortage and contamination. Jamshed Town UC-6 Nazim said he had asked water board officials to shift the main valve and replace the leaking pipes, but to no avail.