Several neighborhoods in Rawalpindi were severely flooded following heavy overnight rains, with residents blaming the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) for negligence and inadequate preparation. Areas such as Mehmood Ali Shah, Hukumdad, Millat Colony, and Waris Khan faced significant flooding, leaving homes submerged and prompting widespread frustration over drainage systems overwhelmed by garbage and debris.
Zaheer Ahmed Awan, Chairman of the Citizen Action Committee, highlighted the agency’s alleged mismanagement, pointing out that considerable funds had been previously allocated to WASA for timely drainage clearance and cleanliness measures ahead of monsoon season. Despite receiving these funds, WASA reportedly failed to carry out essential work within schedule, leaving vital drainage systems clogged and unable to handle the heavy rainfall.
Awan visited affected neighborhoods, including Mehmood Ali Shah and Tamaspabad, inspecting flooded streets and interacting with residents who expressed anger and disappointment at WASA’s perceived neglect. He noted that drains in these densely populated inner-city areas had been allowed to become blocked with accumulated garbage, compounding the impact of the heavy downpour.
Expressing serious concern on behalf of the residents, Awan warned that legal action would be taken against the Managing Director of WASA if future rainfall again results in property damage or loss of life. He urged authorities to urgently carry out a comprehensive and deep cleaning of all storm drains in inner-city Rawalpindi to prevent potential human casualties and financial losses.
The Citizen Action Committee further criticized WASA’s repeated failures and lack of preparedness despite previous incidents of similar flooding. They demanded rapid and proactive measures from relevant authorities, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention before the arrival of the next round of monsoon showers.
