Water Shortage Continues in Karachi Despite Repair of Major Supply Line

Karachi's ongoing water crisis continues to impact several neighborhoods, including Clifton, Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Liaquatabad, and Lyari, despite the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) announcing the repair of a critical 84-inch water main along University Road. The disruption has left residents struggling with severe shortages, with authorities warning that normal supply may take several more days to restore.

Key Points:

• Repair Delays:

  • The burst in the water main last week caused a shortage of approximately 150 MGD for the city.
  • KWSC's initial 72-hour repair timeline stretched into a full week due to additional damage discovered during repairs and construction debris obstructing water pipes.
  • Repairs were finally completed on Monday, but the restored supply has not yet reached all affected areas.

• Impact on Residents:

  • Neighborhoods like Clifton, Lyari, Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Saddar, and Burns Road continue to face severe shortages.
  • Water disruptions also extended to Landhi, Korangi, and nearby areas due to the closure of hydrants and suspension of tanker services during repairs.

• Recurring Issues:

  • The 84-inch water main has been repeatedly damaged by construction activities related to the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.
  • KWSC had provided detailed maps of underground infrastructure to BRT authorities, but construction-related damages persist.

• Traffic and Daily Life Disruption:

  • The burst caused flooding on University Road, creating traffic jams and complicating commuting.
  • Local residents are being urged to conserve water until the situation stabilizes.

Officials' Response:
Chief Engineer Zafar Paleejo assured that water was released from the Dhabeji Pumping Station on Monday, with gradual restoration underway. KWSC CEO Syed Salahuddin Ahmed emphasized that repair teams worked around the clock to resolve the crisis, but challenges like additional pipe damage and debris removal extended the repair timeline.

Conclusion:
As Karachi grapples with this ongoing crisis, authorities are under pressure to address the recurring damages to the water infrastructure and ensure more effective coordination with construction projects like the BRT. For now, residents face prolonged water shortages and the challenges of navigating disrupted daily routines.