Water Board Admits to Water Shortage in 70% area of Karachi

The CEO of Karachi Water Board Corporation, Engineer Salahuddin Ahmed, has acknowledged that 70% of Karachi is currently facing a water shortage.

Addressing the Water Shortage in Karachi

Speaking to the media in Karachi, Engineer Salahuddin Ahmed stated that repairs on the broken water pipeline on University Road are expected to be completed by Wednesday. He blamed the BRT contractor for the damage, noting that all necessary maps had been provided. Emphasizing the need for caution during development projects, he urged all institutions involved in the BRT project to work collaboratively.

Historical Context

The CEO explained that the pipelines beneath the BRT track were installed in 1958 and 1971. The BRT administration has been asked to pay damages amounting to 35 million rupees.

Combatting Illegal Hydrants

He also mentioned ongoing actions against illegal hydrants, adding that water is being supplied to citizens via hydrants at NIPA and other government locations. Over 245 illegal hydrants have been dismantled. The Managing Director of the Water Corporation stated that 5,500 water tankers are currently operating in the city. Of these, more than 3,600 have been registered, and their records are maintained.

Recent Pipeline Breakage

Recently, a water pipeline on University Road, which was repaired at a cost of 30 million rupees, broke again, resulting in the suspension of water supply from Dhabeji to Karachi for three days. The 84-inch-diameter pipeline’s rupture has halted water supply from Dhabeji to 60% of Karachi’s population for 72 hours. Chief Engineer Zafar Palejo indicated that the pipeline might have a minor leakage, but it will take some time to determine the repair duration.

A Water Board spokesperson announced that repair work on the main 84-inch-diameter pipeline on University Road would commence on Monday and is expected to take three days. The spokesperson added that efforts are being made to restore the city’s water supply by Wednesday evening. Karachi is supplied with 650 million gallons daily (MGD), of which 500 MGD will continue to be provided during the repair work. However, the city will face a daily shortfall of 150 MGD during this time.

Modernization Efforts

It should be noted that water is supplied to Karachi via 10 main pipelines from the Dhabeji Pumping Station. Nine of these pipelines are over 40 years old. Last month, a significant development was made to modernize Karachi’s old water supply system. A 40-year-old pipeline from the Dhabeji Pumping Station was replaced with a new 4.5-kilometer-long pipeline, costing 2.3 billion rupees and benefiting millions of residents.

Commercial Tanker Services Suspended for Three Days amid Water Shortage

The Karachi Water Board has suspended commercial tanker services for three days. During this period, tankers will be provided to residential areas through a GPS-based system. Additionally, water for apartment buildings will also be distributed via the Water Board’s GPS system. Due to the repair work, 60% of the city’s areas will receive water through tankers. The Water Corporation has increased the hydrants’ quota from 600,000 gallons to 800,000 gallons and introduced a window service at hydrants for public convenience.