Action initiated against contaminated water supply to parliament

ISLAMABAD: Water contamination has become a pressing concern within the corridors of power, as National Assembly Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah has initiated action against the supply of tainted water to Parliament House and its adjacent lodges, Dawn news reported on Sunday.

The issue came to light following an investigative report by the Pakistan Council for Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Concerns were raised regarding the safety of water supplied to Parliament House and the Parliament Lodges, prompting the government to direct PCRWR to monitor all water sources, including bottled and mineral water brands, with the results to be publicised to raise awareness of public health risks.

JI, PTI resolve misunderstandings after alliance dispute

Expressing grave concern over the situation, Deputy Speaker Shah has ordered the administration of the NA Secretariat to immediately collect water samples from Parliament House and the lodges for thorough investigation by authorised laboratories. He also instructed punitive action against those found responsible for the compromised water supply.

Highlighting the potential health hazards posed by contaminated water, Shah emphasised the urgency of ensuring a pollution-free and hygienic water supply within Parliament premises. He warned that the use of polluted water could lead to infectious diseases such as hepatitis, tuberculosis, and kidney ailments, affecting parliamentarians and staff alike.

Furthermore, Shah directed PCRWR to inspect the filtration plant and filtration system’s cleanliness within Parliament House and the lodges, with a detailed report to be submitted.

This recent development comes amidst Shah’s ongoing efforts to address issues of maintenance and quality within Parliament Lodges and hostels for Members of the National Assembly (MNAs). In a recent meeting with senior officers of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Shah stressed the importance of austerity and quality in the utilisation of public funds.

PM sets performance targets for all ministries: Information Minister

He expressed disappointment over the prevailing negligence of cleanliness and maintenance standards, directing authorities to establish a uniform and transparent policy for allotments and maintenance.

Shah underlined the necessity of consistent parameters for maintaining Parliament lodges to ensure efficient utilisation of public funds and instructed the CDA to adhere to quality standards for long-term durability and cost-effectiveness.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from both the Capital Development Authority and the National Assembly Secretariat, underscoring the collaborative efforts to address the pressing issues affecting parliamentary infrastructure and services.

Web Desk