Water crisis deepens as cable theft halts supply again

KARACHI:

Water supply in the metropolis was disrupted once again on Sunday after the theft of a power supply cable at the NEK pumping station, leaving several neighbourhoods parched in sweltering summar. According to a spokesperson for the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC), the main cable supplying electricity to the pumping station - provided by K-Electric - was stolen around 10.30am, causing suspension of power and halting pumping operations.

As a result, water supply to several areas, including Saddar, Clifton, Chanesar Town, Surjani and New Karachi, has been affected. Repair work has been initiated on an emergency basis, and K-Electric teams are working to restore the damaged and stolen cable.

The spokesperson said normal water supply would resume once electricity is restored, urging residents of affected areas to use water cautiously. An apology was also issued for the inconvenience caused.

The latest disruption comes after prolonged shortages in the city, as water supply from the Dhabeji pumping station remained severely affected from April 25 to May 9, leaving several localities without water for nearly two weeks.

Although supply had partially resumed in some areas on May 9, the situation deteriorated again the following day.