KWSB unearths water corruption
An illegal hydrant being demolished in January this year during an anti-encroachment drive by the KWSB. PHOTO: FILE
The Hydrant Cell of Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) has successfully recovered more than Rs180 million in May 2023 from seven government hydrants in Karachi, surpassing previous recovery records. Usually, the monthly water tax collection from hydrants remains below Rs60 million.
This recovery process has also exposed corruption in the distribution of water tankers. The seven government hydrants involved in the recovery are Sakhi Hasan hydrant, Landhi One Future Colony hydrant, Nipa hydrant, Safora hydrant, Sherpao hydrant, Kirsh Plant hydrant, and Baldia Town hydrant. Notably, these hydrants also supply free water tankers under the DC quota, including GPS. According to official documents, the cell collected Rs40 million from the aforementioned hydrants in December, Rs66 million in January, Rs61.8 million in February, Rs60 million in March, Rs68.8 million in April, and more than Rs180 million in May.
Furthermore, sources have revealed the presence of over 100 small and large illegal hydrants operating in Karachi with the support of influential people.
These illegal hydrants, particularly in Northern Bypass, Baldia, Manghopir, Janjal Goth, and other areas, are reportedly involved in the monthly theft of water worth billions of rupees. Shockingly, the anti-theft cell, established to take action against the illegal hydrants, is suspected of facilitating their operations instead.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 10th, 2023.