Water line damage exposes 'bypassing of approval process'

No action taken against officials allegedly involved in irregularities

KARACHI:

The controversy over alleged damage to a bulk water supply line belonging to the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) has taken a new turn, with revelations that the senior director of Revenue Recovery and Billing (RRG) was bypassed during the approval process for a connection from a 48-inch pipeline in North Nazimabad's Block M.

The development has raised fresh questions about compliance with official procedures and accountability within the corporation, as the officers accused of involvement continue to hold their positions.

According to sources, a private residential project located around 500 metres from the bulk supply line was allowed three connections, each measuring one inch in diameter, from the 48-inch pipeline that supplies water to residents of Karachi's Central District.

The connections were allegedly provided from beneath the bulk water line, in violation of the prescribed procedure, potentially damaging the pipeline. Sources further said that a valve was installed instead of a water meter. The matter came to the fore after local residents protested against the connection. Taking notice of the complaints, the KWSC managing director ordered the connection to be disconnected, averting further disruption for residents of Central District, who are already facing water shortages.

However, no action has so far been taken against the officials allegedly involved in the irregularities, nor has an inquiry been initiated, sources said. Fresh questions have also emerged over the approval process. Sources said Senior Director RRG Nisar Magsi was bypassed while the connection was being approved and the challan prepared. Magsi has reportedly acknowledged that he was bypassed in the process.