The protesters blamed the political parties and officials of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KBSB) for creating a severe water shortage in the city. "We have been deprived of water since the last several months while these illegal water hydrants provide us water at a cost of Rs1,500 to Rs2,000 per tanker," said Abdul Manan, a resident of Patel Para.
On Tuesday night, hundreds of protesters blocked the main Lasbella intersection to protest the establishment of illegal water hydrants. The protesters shouted slogans against the law enforcers as well as the KWSB.
"Water hydrants have been established at Lasbella, Patel Para and Soldier Bazaar. The workers of the banned Peoples Aman Committee (PAC) collect protection money from these hydrants to let them operate in the area," claimed another resident, Waseem Ahmed.
Water Tanker Ittehad general secretary Huzoor Ahmed admitted that there was severe shortage of water, for which he blamed the PAC. He alleged that the committee had established its writ in the slum areas around Patel Para, Soldier Bazaar and Jamshed Road. He denied, however, that the potable water hydrants were illegal, claiming that the owners had complete documentary proof of their legality. "Activists of the PAC and those of another political party collect Rs1000 from each tanker to let them operate in the area," he alleged.
Ahmed added that there were four water hydrants in the area that provide potable water from the KWSB's main pipelines. He claimed that water hydrants were operating across the city, then why were the residents protesting in this area only.
According to the KWSB records, there are over 100 illegal water hydrants established around the city. These hydrants steal approximately 30 to 40 million gallons of water from the KWSB's pipelines per day.
"We have repeatedly requested the law enforcement agencies to provide security so we can wipe out these illegal hydrants," said the KWSB spokesperson.
He was of the opinion that water hydrants are established in areas where there is no writ of the government. These areas are either dominated by militants or political parties and, without the help of law enforcement agencies, the KWSB is unable to take action against the illegal business.
According to the spokesperson, most water hydrants have been established at Baldia, Banaras, Mianwali Colony, Korangi, Landhi, Garden, Soldier Bazar, Patel Para, old Golimar, SITE and Shershah.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 10th, 2014.
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