Private Tankers Only Lifeline for Islamabad’s Water-Starved Sectors

APP

Islamabad: Despite its reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful capitals, Islamabad is grappling with a persistent water crisis in several sectors, with residents of I-14 and I-16 facing severe water shortages for over 25 years.

These sectors lack government tube wells and water supply lines, while the underground water table remains critically low. As a result, residents are forced to depend on costly private water tankers, paying between Rs1,600 and Rs1,800 for a single tractor trolley of water.

“Whenever we inquire, officials claim the water is coming from Tarbela or Khanpur, but nothing materializes,” said one frustrated resident. Another reported that the already limited tanker supply to a few households has now stopped completely.

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Officials from the Capital Development Authority (CDA) acknowledge that water networks exist in these sectors but assert that the main supply will eventually be sourced from Shah Allah Ditta. Meanwhile, supply to G-13 is delayed due to an ongoing land dispute with the Housing Authority, according to CDA Water Management Director General Sardar Khan Zamri.

Residents attribute the crisis to poor urban planning and inadequate infrastructure development in Islamabad’s newer sectors. They urge the CDA to prioritize essential services over high-profile projects, warning that the water shortage could escalate into a serious humanitarian emergency if left unaddressed.