Our poor and miserable people are at the mercy of the water tanker mafia
KARACHI: Water scarcity isn’t actually the reason for the current lack of water in Karachi’s households. Karachi has an enduring water supply and it has a system of channels to pump sufficient water into each area, rich and poor. However, Karachi is also a city of go-getters, always waiting to pounce on under-the-table wealth. The water tanker mafia has taken over the city’s water supply and earns approximately Rs50 billion a year. Our poor and miserable people are at the mercy of the water tanker mafia. Approximately 15 to 20 million gallons of water per day are stolen through illegal water hydrants. These are apparently protected by our law masters, political parties and, allegedly, certain elements within the KWSB.
The business has become a thriving source of income for those who run it. The water tanker mafia is increasing rapidly all over the city and all government officials and stakeholders are lining their pockets instead of attempting to control the threat.
In the past, governments have shut these illegal hydrants for some time but they have began operating them again after some time. I demand of the government to ensure the supply of clean and potable water to every area of the city and to take action against the water tanker mafia and corrupt officials of all departments.
Habiba Manal
Published in The Express Tribune, May 28th, 2015.
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