Posted: 07/09/2014 at 6:45pm | IP Logged

IRAQ (ANS) -- The water purification plants in Mosul supply water for the city and surrounding areas.

According to a story by the Assyrian International News Agency (AINA), after taking control of Mosul on June 10, ISIS severely limited the water supply from al-Rashidiya and al-Slamiya water projects, which provide the Northern and Southern Nineveh Plain with drinking water.

AINA is reporting that the Hammurabi Human Rights Organization, an NGO based in Baghdad, says ISIS is allowing only about 90 minutes of pumping per day.

As a result, the Assyrian towns of Baghdede, Karemlis, Bartella, Tel Kepe, Batnaya and Bashiqah -- home to nearly 200,000 Assyrians -- face severe water shortages.

Residents have begun digging wells to get water, but are limited by a lack of funding.

The towns of Baghdede, Karemlis and Bartella, with a population of 70,000 Assyrians, require more than 20 Artesian wells to supply the water needs of the residents.

AINA said each well typically costs about $30,000 to install, with operating crews and generators. $600,000 is required to install these wells.

Donations have been c oming. The Christian Endowment will finance four wells; the Consulate of United Arab Emirates has pledged money for another four.

The Hammurabi Human Rights Organization says it is prepared to begin installing wells if enough funding comes in.

AINA said if the water shortage crisis is not resolved soon, Assyrians will be forced to abandon their homes and villages and move to areas where they can find water.

Source: Assist News Service