Water line damaged during replacement of oil pipelines: DHA

KARACHI: The water supply line running under the median along Khayaban-e-Sehar in Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Phase VI was extensively damaged by an excavator during the replacement of parallel oil pipelines of National Refinery Limited (NRL). The incident caused contamination of the water supply line due to mixing of oil and water. More than 40 houses in the area have been identified whose underground water tanks have been contaminated with oil. The administrator of DHA has asked the water supply directorate to take immediate measures to address the situation, said a release issued Wednesday. Measures taken by DHA include provision of immediate water bowzers to the residents of affected houses for filling their overhead water tanks. The contaminated underground tanks of these houses are also being cleaned and repaired by DHA teams. Meanwhile, the DHA has started repairing the damaged water supply line for immediate restoration of water supply. Portions of water supply line at the junctions are also being replaced to ensure that there is not the remotest chance of contamination of water with oil. It is carrying out necessary coordination with the authorities of NRL to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. DHA has asked the NRL in categorical terms to give advance warning of any repair / overhauling schedule.

Staff reports adds: Along, Khayaban-e-Sehar more than forty houses fell prey. "We complained to the DHA authorities to immediately take action to solve the problem, as we cannot put this contaminated water to any use," said Ramesh Kumar, a resident. ppi