WASA managing director removed over clogged sewers

Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Hyderabad, Managing Director Zahid Khemtio has been removed from his post in view of his alleged misconduct and poor performance. The Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah on Friday notified suspension of BS-19 Khemtio, who has served as MD WASA for two stints.

The first posting lasted for a year from April, 2021, to April, 2022. The second tenure, however, remained too fleeting with less than two months in office. He has been replaced by a senior officer of WASA, Zeeshan Malik, but with an acting charge.

In the notification, the CS stated Khemtio's 'misconduct' and 'utter failure' in performance of his official duties became the reason for his suspension. Shah, who appeared before the Sindh High Court Hyderabad Circuit Bench on Friday, noted that sewage was overflowing on several important roads of the city.

He went on to name some of those roads and said he found drainage flowing on the roads leading to the SHC and other courts, the Circuit House and other arteries in the city. "Such serious lapses on part of WASA reflect adversely on performance of the entire government," the CS underlined.

The notification pointed out that even the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Hyderabad complained to the CS against Khemtio. "... about his non-responsive attitude towards his official duty."

An official of WASA, who requested anonymity, claimed that Khemtio was reluctant to work as MD WASA. According to him, an influential political figure in Hyderabad brought him to that position days before the general election. However, some other officials of the agency complain about the attitude of Khemtio.

The WASA is responsible for the water supply and drainage network in Hyderabad. But complaints abound over supply of contaminated water and its shortage. WASA is also responsible for releasing untreated sewage in the Indus river and its canals.

The agency's employees resort to protest every other month, decrying inordinate delay or default in the payment of their salaries and pensions for several months. The organization has been surviving financially on the Sindh government provided bailout packages.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 23^rd, 2024.