ISLAMABAD: The Soan Garden Society management has continued suspension of water supply to thousands of residents since Muharram 1.

The residents told Dawn that they used to get water supply twice a week a few months ago but it was reduced to once a week in May.

They said unmoved by the protests staged by the residents, the administration started water supply on eighth day and now this too did not happen and water has not been supplied for the ninth consecutive day.

They said they had been left at the mercy of private water tankers mafia.

They said private tankers were charging a hefty amount for water supply and residents still have to wait for them for two to three days.

The residents said the society had abundant water as it was situated on the bank of Soan River.

But the management was involved in fleecing the residents by selling its water rather than providing it free as people were regularly paying their water bills to the society.

They said the society had its own motor pumps that could be run for 24 hours.

The additional cost of living has reached to at least Rs15,000 per month for each house forcing the locals to shift to other places, they added.

Officials deputed at the water tanker inquiry service of the society have also failed to facilitate residents.

When contacted, Soan Garden Housing Society President Raza Gondal said the water table had gone down leading to the shortage. He however said a new tubewell was being installed and water supply will improve after Muharram.

Published in Dawn, July 17th, 2024