Authorities urged to address Qala-i-Naw drinking water issue

QALA-I-NAW (Pajhwok): Residents of northwestern Badghis province complain about the shortage of clean drinking water and say the issue has been raised with the previous government several times but it remains unaddressed.

Noor Aqa, a resident of Qala-i-Naw, told Pajhwok Afghan News in addition to the financial crisis, they struggled with the lack of drinking water. He called the scarcity of potable water one of their major problems.

The residents avail water once in a week supplied to them during night time.

Mirwais, another resident of Qala-i-Naw, said: “We face several problems when it comes to clean drinking water. We want the government to address this issue.”

Medical experts say the use of clean water for drinking improves health and protects individuals from dangerous water-borne diseases.

Dr. Mohammad JavidAkhezi, one of the doctors in Qala-i-Naw, said the use of unhealthy water caused diarrhea, vomiting and other health issues among people.

Badghis Water Supply Director Abdul Salaam Mohammadi acknowledged the problems being faced by people in terms of clean drinking water.

He added that continued drought, drying of natural streams and illegal use of existing water resources were some of the reasons behind the shortage of drinking water in the city.

He said non-payment of water bills by residents was another reason that had made them unable take timely steps for addressing the water shortage issue.

nh/ma