Water shortage

Water shortage in Karachi is a story of scarcity in the midst of plenty. It is a story of insatiable greed, corruption, inefficiency, mismanagement and governmental apathy. The problem has been worsening with the passage of time. In their inaction, the authorities remain constant like the North Star. Every summer the problem is felt acutely because of the ever-growing shortage of water and the increased demand for it. According to UN standards of water consumption, Karachi, a mega city of around 20 million, needs 11,00 mgd (million gallons daily) water but is supplied only 550mgd. Most of the water supply infrastructure is more than 40 years old and rusting at many places. According to officials of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB), the body responsible for supplying water to the city, the board has no funds to fix the problem. Independent observers, however, are of the view that repairing and replacing the aging infrastructure would be of no avail if corruption, mismanagement and inefficiency are not eliminated.

Now many areas are facing a severe shortage of water. Many areas have not been getting water in the tap for years, but the residents do get water bills regularly every month. Residents continue to pay the bills for fear of disconnection. People in several areas have been left with no option but to consume the underground brackish water. There had been much talk about the K-4 water supply scheme meant to enhance supplies to the city but no one knows the present status of the scheme. Or how long will it take for completion? KWSB officials are of the view that even the quantity of water that the city is being supplied at present would be adequate to meet its needs. Out of the 550mgd of water, 235mgd, or 42 per cent, is stolen. This stolen water is sold to those for whom it was meant. Corruption boil and bubble. 

Published in The Express Tribune, May 31^st, 2019.

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