The residents of Gulzar-e-Hijri in Karachi’s Scheme 33 have been suffering from an acute water crisis that demands immediate attention. Availability of water in this area has become an everyday hassle for the residents. Since the amount of government-supplied water is terribly inadequate, it leaves tanker supplies as the only available option. And while water tankers are unaffordable for most of the residents, erratic delivery schedules and logistical hindrances add to the woes. This situation is exacerbated further by a lack of regulation and oversight, leading to inflated prices, frequent delays and significant hardships for the residents already faced with economic challenges. The absence of a streamlined, reliable distribution system has made water supply inconsistent and costly.
To address this crisis effectively, a multi-layered approach is essential — one that combines bottom-up solutions with support from local authorities. A neighbourhood-based water management committee could play a pivotal role in coordinating supply logistics, negotiating fairer pricing with tanker suppliers and ensuring smoother delivery schedules. Additionally, such a committee could explore alternative water sources, such as rainwater harvesting and bore-well development, to reduce dependency on tankers and establish a more stable, diversified water supply.
This crisis needs to be addressed on a war footing. After all, water is lifeline. A coordinated effort involving local authorities, community stakeholders and water suppliers has to be made in creating a fairer and more sustainable system for people. By investing in such initiatives, we will be able to reduce individual household burdens and provide ourselves with a reliable water source.
Syeda Nameera Hasan
Karachi
