Empty tanks before Eid

Breakdowns at the Dhabeji pumping station that provides millions of gallons of water to Karachi are so frequent that they almost seem like standard procedure; as if bylaws demand that the citizens are kept inconvenienced so that they are adequately trained for survival in this city. Three separate incidents of disruption in the water supply in only the past two months are a clear case in point. But with the most recent one occurring merely a week before Eid-ul-Azha, the authorities concerned are undoubtedly answerable to the public about their glaring lack of precautionary measures.

In Karachi, expecting basic civic facilities without routine interruptions is akin to asking for the moon, but surely just days before the city is set to be clothed in blood and faeces, shouldn't ensuring continuous water supply have been a top priority? Already the metropolis is in a state of reckless abandon. Every other area is dug up courtesy of the Sui Southern Gas Company, and every day is a new battle between the citizens and the streets of Karachi. All this chaos, now made complete with the delay in normal water supply, only signals towards an ill-managed state of affairs this Eid.

The relevant authorities manage to evade accountability time and again and are let off with a mild slap on the wrist by higher-ups. With regard to the most recent failure, the Chief Minister "took note of the water shortage", then promptly washed his hands off further responsibility. There are no precautions and there are no consequences. But the people of Karachi deserve better than having such a significant religious occasion, meant for celebration and joy, marred by trickling taps in thirty-degree weather. Now only time will tell whether Karachi still smells like blood after a week.