WATER SHORTAGE: Karachi’s water supply system is strained by rapid urbanisation, population growth and climate change. The K-III water supply project, a lifeline for the city, has been plagued by delays and mismanagement. This has resulted in acute water shortages, particularly in the city’s low-lying areas and informal settlements. Residents are forced to endure water shortages, and have to often rely on water tankers. This has led to a surge in waterborne diseases and social unrest. The gover-nment must prioritise the completion of the K-III project and invest in sustainable water management solutions. Additionally, stricter regulations are needed to curb illegal water connections and to ensure equitable distribution.

Varda Mehmood
Islamabad

INCREMENTAL TAX: The govern-ment has levied incremental tax on all commercial banks that do not meet the 50 per cent advance to deposit ratio (ADR). The government might have wanted to compel the banks to either maximise the advances portfolio, or, in case of failure, to pay extra tax to the government. However, by imposing an additional fee on deposits, the banks are offsetting the effect of incremental tax on their income. Hence, the burden of this incremental tax will ultimately be borne by the people who have large deposits in banks.

Ghazanfar Ali Zardari
Karachi

NULLAH NEEDED FOR DRAINAGE: Excessive monsoon rains in Sindh cause heavy floods, displacing thousands of people and inundating a vast area of land, including agricultural fields. As such, thousands of acres of land in Jhando Amri tehsil are still flooded with polluted rainwater. Farmers cannot cultivate their lands because of the stagnant rainwater. This makes them suffer financially. The government should construct a nullah in the area for quick drainage of the standing water. This will boost the country’s economy, food security, and, most imp-ortantly, the livelihood of poor farmers.

Asad Qadir Thebo
Dasori

Published in Dawn, January 2nd, 2025