City faces water crisis amid official disarray

The metropolitan city continues to reel under a worsening water crisis, with supply disruptions persisting despite orders from Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to restore services.

Although repair work on the key 84-inch pipeline through the University of Karachi was completed seven days ago, water has yet to flow through it, deepening the crisis in several parts of the city.

Since April 29, the metropolis has faced a massive shortfall in water supply, forcing residents to rely on private water tankers - spending millions of rupees to meet basic needs. The areas severely affected include Korangi, Landhi, Shah Faisal Colony, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Liaquatabad, Nazimabad, Golimar, Gulbahar, PIB Colony, Old City Area, Mehmoodabad, Manzoor Colony, Defence, Clifton, and Korangi Crossing.

On May 9, the chief minister chaired a high-level meeting and directed the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) to normalise water distribution immediately.

However, two days later, supply remains disrupted, and KWSC has yet to provide a clear explanation for the delay. The KWSC maintains that supply from government hydrants is ongoing, a claim that contradicts the ground realities.

Internal conflicts within KWSC are reportedly exacerbating the issue. Sources reveal that senior officials are increasingly unwilling to operate under the leadership of Managing Director Zafar Palejo. They allege that his mismanagement of the city's main water lines has caused significant operational breakdowns.

Alleged dissatisfaction within the staff may even lead to resignations among executive engineers and other key staff.

Insiders further say that while the MD is ostensibly trying to resolve the crisis, he is acting on inaccurate information, which is aggravating the situation. Unless immediate administrative action is taken, the city's water woes are expected to worsen in the coming days.