Capital faces alarming water crisis

Islamabad is grappling with a major water crisis as the Capital Development Authority (CDA) struggles with significant shortages and disruptions in its water supply system.

If new supplies are not arranged, the city’s water treatment process may stop completely, creating major health risks for residents. According to reports, the crisis began when CDA failed to pay dues for a chlorine supply tender issued in June last year. Due to this non-payment, contractors have refused to continue supplying chlorine. Without proper treatment, water becomes unsafe for public use.

At the same time, CDA’s water infrastructure is falling apart. Out of 300 tubewells in the city, only 95 are working. The remaining 205 tubewells are either broken or beyond repair. The CDA reportedly owes over Rs2000 billion, including Rs100 million for last year’s tubewell maintenance.

The situation is equally bad for the water tanker fleet. Only 7 out of 32 tankers are running, and 2 of them are reserved for VIP use. While the CDA receives around 1000 complaints daily for water tankers, it is unable to handle the demand. Payments of more than Rs50 million for tanker repairs are still pending.

Residents of areas like I-8, I-9, I-10, I-14, F-6 to F-10, G-6 to G-11, Model Village, Margalla Town, Humak Town, and Rawal Express Town are already facing water shortages. In some places, water is being supplied only once every three days.

Unless emergency action is taken, Islamabad may face complete service disruptions in water supply soon.