Govt doing its best to address water issues in Karachi: Sharjeel Memon

Minister says water supply system is being used at its maximum capacity

KARACHI: Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon claimed on Thursday the government is making all efforts to ensure consistent water supply in Karachi, Express News reported.

Responding to opposition cries in the Sindh Assembly over an acute shortage of water in the city, Sharjeel said, “The system is providing water at its maximum capacity.”

Read: No more, no less: KWSB announces official prices for water tankers

The minister pointed out that punctures in water pipelines by residents were significantly decreasing water pressure.

“Once the power goes out at a pumping station, it takes up to 17 to 36 hours to bring back the sufficient pressure,” he said while also informing lawmakers that the government had appealed to residents to halt any activity that was disrupting the water supply.

“Areas which are affected by the water shortage are being given water through tankers,” Sharjeel said, adding that water tanker service was being run free of charge in the western parts of the city through deputy commissioners.

Read: K-E workers cutting power to pumping stations will be arrested: LG minister

Earlier, the minister said it was difficult for the authorities to maintain cleanliness in the hospitals due to the fact that a large number of patients and their attendants visited the hospitals. However, he informed lawmakers that the government was making efforts to resolve this issue.

Opposition parties are protesting Karachi’s acute water shortage which they call a Sindh government’s failure to provide basic services to the residents of the country’s financial hub.

Last week, Muttahida Qaumi Movement took out a protest rally in which Women from North Karachi and New Karachi held pots on their heads, trying to paint a picture of Tharparkar which they fear Karachi will turn into if the water shortage is not addressed soon.