Dispute leaves 100 plus homes without water

SOME residential communities in Qixan County, Henan Province have been cut off water supply for more than a month due to a conflict between a local water company and the county government, a local newspaper reported today. Qixian County completed the renovation of its water supply system half a year ago, but many families found water supply became unstable. Some buildings got no water at all, said Dongfang Jinbao. "We are forced to fetch water elsewhere and carry empty barrels every day when going out," a local resident told the newspaper. "More than 500 people in about 100 homes in my neighborhood are still out of water for more than one month." The water company told the newspaper that the water shortage was the result of growing population which doubled from 10,000 to 20,000 while the company still relied on the existing five wells. However, local residents believe the conflict between the water company and county government is the real cause of water stoppage as they found the government building which was next door was also out of water. "The county government dug a well in its compound, which does not belong to the water company." A local resident said. A water company executive surnamed Shi told the newspaper that they wanted to add that well to their network, but their work was obstructed by some government workers because the company had to cut water supply to the building for 30 minutes. "They fussed about being cut off water for 30 minutes, but they gave no damn care to our inconvenience for 30 days!" a local resident said angrily.