JI decries increase in water tariff

KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), terming the increase in water tariff an anti-people decision, demanded from the Sindh government to withdraw it immediately.

In a statement issued here on Thursday, JI Karachi Chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman strongly condemned the increase in water tariff by 9 percent. He said that the Sindh government instead of supplying water to citizens is increasing water tariff; which is an unjustified act.

Hafiz Naeem said the delay in completion of K-4 (greater water supply project) is increasing the estimated cost of the said project. He said that the past and present governments are equally responsible for this.

“Most of the areas are still deprived of water supply during the sacred month of Ramadan; the provincial minister for local government Saeed Ghani instead of increase in water tariff should arrange to ensure smooth supply of water,” Hafiz Naeem added.

Hafiz Naeem said that the KWSB officials in connivance with tanker mafia are involved in selling water to citizens of the megacity at very high rates in water scarcity areas. He demanded of the government to ensure water supply from designated lines in all areas of the megacity.

He said that the K-4 was initiated by the former city nazim Niamatullah Khan Advocate; but, unfortunately, the project has not yet completed due to lack of interest by the federal and provincial governments.