Islamabad, Feb 3: Residents of Islamabad are facing an escalating public health crisis as contaminated water continues to flow from several filtration plants operated by the Capital Development Authority (CDA). Many of these plants reportedly lack proper filtration systems, leaving citizens exposed to unsafe drinking water and raising concerns over potential waterborne diseases.
A recent report revealed that 16% of water samples collected from various filtration plants were found unfit for human consumption. Despite these alarming findings, authorities have yet to implement necessary upgrades, with improvements still in the planning phase. Islamabad currently has 98 filtration plants spread across its sectors and model villages, but their management has been outsourced to five NGOs. However, residents from multiple areas have voiced growing frustration over the deteriorating water quality, claiming that the issue remains widespread across the city.
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CDA’s Director General of Water Management, Sardar Khan Zimri, acknowledged that contamination was detected in a small percentage of tests, primarily due to coliform bacteria. He assured that funds have been allocated for system improvements, including the installation of a proper chlorination system, which is expected to be operational in the coming months.
Health and environmental experts stress that regular maintenance, timely filter replacements, and proper sterilization of filtration units are essential to ensuring safe drinking water. They warn that delays in addressing the issue could lead to serious health risks for the population, particularly for children and the elderly. With the situation growing more urgent, authorities must take immediate action to prevent further harm and restore public confidence in the city’s water supply system.
