Serious water supply crisis looms in city

Dhabeji pumping station breakdown disrupts supply, repair to take four days

KARACHI:

A severe water crisis is feared in the city after a power breakdown at the Dhabeji Pumping Station badly disrupted the city's water supply. Repair work on main supply lines—Line No. 1, 2, and 5—is expected to take three to four days, reducing water availability across the city by nearly half. Citizens have been advised to use water sparingly.

According to details, the water crisis in Karachi is worsening day by day. The Water Corporation had scheduled a shutdown from April 25 to 27 to repair the frequently rupturing Line No. 5 and reconnect it to the supply network, with plans to complete the work within 48 hours. However, a power breakdown occurred the same night, leading not only to another rupture in Line No. 5 but also damaging Lines No. 1 and 2, further worsening the situation.

A spokesperson stated that repairs on Line No. 5 are expected to be completed by Tuesday night, while work on Lines No. 1 and 2 may take an additional three to four days. The Dhabeji Pumping Station—considered the lifeline of the city's water supply—is currently operating at reduced capacity, with nine pumps out of service. Normally supplying 550 million gallons of water per day, it is currently delivering only about 300 million gallons daily.

Water supply has been severely affected in several areas, including Landhi, Korangi, Shah Faisal Colony, Malir, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Johar, PIB Colony, Jamshed Road, Old City Area, Nazimabad, Liaquatabad, Mahmoodabad, Defence, Clifton, and other parts of the city.