KARACHI, Sept 8: Acute water shortage continued to persist in different parts of the city, compelling the residents of the affected areas to either buy private tankers at exorbitant rates or consume sub-soil unhygienic water.

The localities facing water shortage included PECHS Block 6 (green belt) area, Mehmoodabad, Manzoor Colony, parts of Lyari, Kharadar, various sectors of Orangi, Baldia and Surjani Towns, North Karachi and Clifton’s Block 2.

Residents of the affected areas complained that although their localities had been either without water or receiving scanty supply for the last fortnight, the KWSB officials have not yet taken measures to restore normal supply despite a number of complaints lodged with them.

Similar complaints have also been received from the residents of Khokhrapar No 2 1/2 and Saudia Colony’s sectors 8-A, 8-B and 9 and Metroville-III.

Accusing the KWSB officials of creating artificial water shortage, the residents of Metroville-III alleged that the officials responsible for valve operation were responsible for their lingering water issue.

Residents of the affected localities urged the city Nazim and the KWSB managing-director to direct the concerned officials to immediately restore normal water supply in their localities as continuous drinking of sub-soil water was causing severe abdominal pain and diseases.

OPEN MANHOLES: A number of manholes which are still open on various main thoroughfares might become death trap for children, pedestrians and motorcyclists.

A visit to some major and important roads, such as M. R. Kiyani Road, M. A. Jinnah Road, Mehmood Ghaznavi Road, Jehangir Road, etc., show that a number of manholes were either without cover or were damaged, posing danger to the motorcyclists, in general and passersby, in particular.