QUETTA: The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has dismissed claims made by the so-called tanker association as “fabricated and unrealistic,” asserting that the city’s water supply network is functioning efficiently with over 1,050 tube wells providing clean drinking water to residents.
In an official statement issued on Wednesday, WASA officials said the agency operates more than 450 tube wells in Quetta, while the Public Health Engineering Department and other government departments collectively manage over 600 additional tube wells, ensuring round-the-clock water supply to citizen.
The statement identified illegal private tube wells established in the city’s outskirts as the primary cause of the continuous decline in groundwater levels. “The vast majority of these private tube wells are illegal and are exacerbating water problems for the people of Quetta,” the statement read.
WASA officials emphasized that action against illegal tube wells falls under the jurisdiction of the district administration. The Provincial Water Board has repeatedly requested the district administration to take action, and directives have been issued, but implementation remains pending.
The statement referenced Balochistan High Court’s recorded observations, which called for the phased conversion of tractors into water tankers. However, officials expressed concern that legal tube well owners are being unfairly affected by the ongoing tussle.
WASA raised serious safety concerns regarding the operation of water tankers in the city. “Inexperienced and young boys are being put behind the wheels, driving tankers through the city, resulting in accidents and loss of precious lives,” the statement said.
The agency noted that most tractor owners and drivers operating water tankers are Afghan refugees, and called for strict action against those responsible for serious accidents, traffic congestion, and loss of life.
WASA has demanded that tube wells operating without No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) be immediately shut down, and that action be taken against tractor owners involved in fatal accidents.
