From 'Liberated' Iraq

IRAQ: Severe water shortage hits Baghdad suburbs

Link Here

BAGHDAD, 6 February (IRIN) - Residents of Baghdad's suburbs have been experiencing serious water shortages for a month due to poor infrastructure, leaking pipes and wastage, according to experts.

"Water wastage in the capital, along with bad infrastructure, has increased," said Saleh Ra'ad, a senior official at the Ministry of Water Resources.

"Now Iraqis are suffering the consequences and have only a few hours of water daily."

Nearly half a million people have been affected by the scarcity. In some areas, water is available for only a few hours at night and for less than two hours during the day in other areas.

Nearly 300 water tanks have been distributed by the government and the Iraqi Red Crescent Society in various areas of the capital. Some residents, however, must walk large distances to reach them.

"I have to walk almost 6 km to get clean water when the improvised tanks are empty," said Safwat Ali, a resident of the Sadr suburb. "It's a shame for a country surrounded by two of the biggest rivers in the Middle East."

Observers say the Baghdad water purifying plant, which supplies the capital, is simply unable to meet local demand.

Continues....