Water crisis sparks protests

Citizens accuse authorities of supplying water to hydrants while household taps remained dry

KARACHI:

The metropolis on Friday witnessed protests over the worsening water supply situation, raising fears of potential water riots. Thirsty citizens blocked traffic for hours at Perfume Chowk in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, while in Landhi Korangi, a demonstration led by Jamaat-e-Islami took place at Singer Chowrangi over the water crisis.

Despite multiple attempts to contact Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) officers, protesters received no response, prompting them to take to the streets. They accused the authorities of supplying water to hydrants while household taps remained dry, demanding that hydrants be shut off during residential pumping hours.

Sources indicate that negligence by officials in the KWSC Bulk WTM department has exacerbated the crisis. WTM officials have blamed the E&M department, citing the failure to repair the Dhabeji pump, which has been out of order for several days. This neglect has further intensified the water shortage, leading to suspicions of a plan to undermine the MD of the Water Corporation.

The sudden protests over water shortages have alarmed senior officials, especially given the existing electricity and gas outages. The combination of extreme heat and lack of essential utilities has severely impacted the city's residents, heightening concerns about the deteriorating water supply situation in Karachi.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 8^th, 2024.