A major water supply project in Kehal has allegedly become a significant threat to residents due to the substandard construction of a water tank, causing widespread landslides, inundating numerous houses, and posing a direct threat to human lives.
The multi-million rupee project, intended to supply water to thousands in the city’s oldest union council, is being constructed through the KP-CIF. However, residents claim the slow-paced project, awarded to ZK Company, is plagued by the use of substandard construction materials.
Following recent heavy rains, a landslide occurred on approximately seven kanals of land on Kehal mountain, allegedly due to the faulty construction. According to local representatives and members of the affected community, water and debris are entering more than 20 houses, forcing residents to clear the flood-like situation with their bare hands day and night.
Tehsil Member and Lady Councilor of Kehal Neighborhood II, Mrs. Malik Mushtaq, along with several residents including Pir Muhammad and Malik Naseer, told the media today that the homes built with their life savings are now in jeopardy. She said repeated complaints to ZK Company officials have been ignored and also highlighted allegations of exorbitant prices being charged for construction materials, such as Rs. 3000 for 100 feet of sand.
The community fears a major tragedy could occur at any moment. They hold officials from KP-CIF, ZK Company, WASA, and the district administration directly responsible for any potential disaster arising from the alleged negligence.
The affected citizens have formally demanded that the Commissioner of Hazara, the Deputy Commissioner of Abbottabad, and other relevant authorities immediately halt all work on the tank. They are calling for a transparent inquiry into the project and insist that strict legal action be taken against anyone found guilty of negligence. According to residents, the original contract for the tank was awarded by KP-CIF in 2025.