ISLAMABAD: Residents of Azizabad and Mughal Abad have rejected the Cantonment Board’s decision to charge a Rs7,0000 no-objection certificate (NOC) fee and monthly billing on privately installed water borewells, terming the move unjustified and an added financial burden on households.
They said the private bores had been installed from their own pockets to meet basic water requirements, adding that the Cantonment Board had neither financed nor helped in their installation, construction, maintenance or operation.
The issue was discussed at a consultative meeting attended by a large number of residents, where participants voiced serious concern over the decision. The meeting unanimously called for the immediate withdrawal of the Rs7,0000 NOC fee as well as all monthly charges imposed on privately developed water sources.
Residents maintained that they had arranged these water facilities through their own resources and were already bearing the cost of upkeep. They said fresh charges would further increase pressure on families that had made private arrangements due to their need for water.
They argued that people should not be asked to pay additional fees for facilities established and maintained by them without any financial support from the Cantonment Board. The participants described both the NOC fee and the monthly billing as unfair and unacceptable.
The meeting also expressed disappointment over the absence of elected representatives. Residents said no councillor, MNA or MPA attended the gathering to listen to their concerns or stand with them over a matter affecting their daily lives and household expenses.
Participants said elected representatives should remain available to their constituents, particularly when official decisions have a direct impact on local communities and their financial situation.
The residents urged the Cantonment Board and other relevant authorities to take immediate notice of their complaints and hold direct consultations with the affected community for a workable solution.
They also called upon their elected representatives to intervene and play their due role in resolving the dispute, instead of staying away while residents face the financial impact of the decision.
Residents demanded that the Rs7,0000 NOC fee and all monthly charges on privately installed water bores be withdrawn without delay. They said the matter was linked to access to water, a basic necessity, and should be addressed on priority.
They further stated that they would continue to raise their voice through peaceful and lawful means until their demands were accepted and the charges were withdrawn.
