By: Abid Ali Khan
Senior Journalist & Columnist
The residential colonies of WAPDA in Tarbela are once again facing a severe water crisis, as the much-delayed water supply project initiated in 2020 remains incomplete. Residents continue to be deprived of clean drinking water, raising serious concerns over the performance and accountability of the concerned authorities.
According to sources, the water supply scheme under the supervision of the WAPDA Water Wing has effectively turned into a “white elephant.” Over the past four to five years, billions of rupees have reportedly been spent on the project. In addition to the Water Wing, funds have also been intermittently allocated from the Tarbela Fourth and Fifth Extension Projects. However, the on-ground situation remains bleak. Residents claim that while budgets have been approved annually, there has been no tangible improvement in the water supply infrastructure within the colonies. Certain quarters allege large-scale financial irregularities and embezzlement during this period, though — as is often the case — these claims have been swept under the rug, with no transparent investigation conducted.
Several residents have demanded a high-level probe into the wastage of public funds and urged that those found responsible be held accountable through strict legal action. So far, WAPDA officials have not issued any official statement in response to the ongoing crisis.
