Karachi (Urdu Times) Karachi’s Water Crisis: A Tale of Promises, Claims, and Mismanagement
Karachi (Urdu Times) (Report pirbux Noonari)Karachi The Sindh government claims that Karachi receives 1,200 cusecs (646 MGD) of water daily, but the reality is that the city is barely receiving 500 MGD. Despite the availability of 150 MGD of water and the 500 MGD pumping capacity in 2020, Karachi was only supplied 400 MGD of water. The transmission system is also operational. This deliberate failure to supply water highlights government inefficiency and mismanagement.
The gap between the capacity and supply of Karachi’s most important water source, the Dhabeji Pumping Station, reflects the severity of the crisis. The government’s claim of providing 646 MGD of water contradicts the facts, as 30 MGD is allocated for Steel Mills and Port Qasim.
An article published in January 2020 in the English daily Dawn revealed that Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah acknowledged that Karachi was being supplied a total of 500 MGD of water after the inauguration of a new unit at the Dhabeji Pumping Station. This station was constructed to pump an additional 100 MGD, but only 50 MGD of this water was provided to Karachi, with the remaining sent to adjoining areas.
No new water transmission system from Keenjhar Lake to Dhabeji Pumping Station was developed, meaning the 100 MGD was already available but could not be supplied due to insufficient pumping capacity. As a result, a new pumping station was constructed, which now pumps 100 MGD. Even with this addition, the total water supply to Karachi is barely 500 MGD, making it evident that before 2020, only 400 MGD was being supplied. It is undeniable that the capacity to supply 646 MGD does not exist, even today.
This reveals the gross negligence and lack of responsibility on the part of the government. Despite adding 100 MGD of pumping capacity, Karachi still faces a shortfall of 150 MGD. This is further confirmed by the Chief Minister’s statement, leaving no room for doubt. Additionally, 50 MGD of water is lost due to leakage, reducing the effective supply to just 450 MGD.
The K-IV Water Supply Project, intended to provide an additional 650 MGD to Karachi, including its first phase of 260 MGD, faces delays and uncertainty.
Poor water management and deliberate negligence have left Karachi’s residents struggling with a severe water shortage. The construction of pumping stations is solely the responsibility of the federal or provincial governments. Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) lacks the financial resources to undertake such projects. Its limited funds are barely sufficient for system maintenance, salaries, and pensions, with Rs. 7 billion owed in employee arrears. Additionally, Rs. 20 billion in dues are outstanding from government organizations alone.
People criticize KWSC, but it is grappling with an extremely difficult situation, providing only 40% of Karachi’s total water requirements. Immediate action from the provincial and federal governments is essential to resolve this crisis and prevent the further deterioration of the water supply system. Mere statements will not bring water to the city.p
