Karachi is once again dealing with a severe water shortage due to a major power failure at the Dhabeji pumping station. This incident has caused an explosion and ruptured two main pipelines, leaving many areas of the city without water.
The broken pipeline, which is 72 inches in diameter, has completely stopped the supply of water to many neighborhoods, including Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Korangi, Malir, Landhi, Shah Latif Town, Gulshan-e-Hadeed, and more. Residents in these areas are facing significant difficulties as the water crisis continues to impact their daily lives.
The power failure has raised serious concerns about Karachi’s fragile water infrastructure. Although K-Electric, the company responsible for electricity supply, has claimed that power to the pumping station has been restored, the temporary disruption had already caused major problems. K-Electric assured the public that they are in contact with the Water Board to ensure smooth operations in the future.
At the same time, a long-term water supply project for Karachi, known as the K-IV project, is also facing delays. This project, which aims to increase the city’s water supply, is a collaboration between the federal and Sindh governments, with an investment of Rs 40 billion. It involves upgrading the Kalri Baghar feeder to handle more water from the Kotri Barrage.
However, progress on the K-IV project has been very slow. The project was initially set to be completed by 2027, but the World Bank, a key supporter, has insisted that the feeder’s capacity must first be increased. To meet this requirement, work on the B-Feeder canal began but has been delayed repeatedly.
During a 23-day construction period, only five kilometers of work were partially completed instead of the planned eight kilometers. This delay is worrying as the project director has requested an additional Rs 14 billion to speed up the work. Sindh’s Chief Minister has also written to the federal government, asking for the funds to be released quickly to avoid further delays.
Experts are concerned that the project may not be completed on time, especially since its director’s appointment is currently being challenged in the Sindh High Court. The delays in such crucial projects highlight Karachi’s ongoing struggles to manage its growing water needs.
The water crisis in Karachi is a clear reminder of the urgent need to upgrade and maintain the city’s water supply systems. Residents continue to face challenges, and unless swift action is taken, these problems could worsen in the future. Both short-term solutions to restore water supply and long-term strategies to improve infrastructure are essential to ensure the city’s water needs are met.
