What can be done for the water supply in Karachi?

The water supply provided by the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) is 665 MGD, against the demand of 820_1200 MGD, resulting in a shortfall of 155_ 550 MGD.

Most of the surface and available water sources have high lead levels, 88% higher than the recommended WHO levels.

The water crisis

The city has been the worst hit by the water crisis for the last few months. In some areas, the water supply has completely stopped, making the existing crisis worse.

No place is getting water supply, whether it is impoverished Korangi town or the Malir Cantt, DHA, or Clifton. The prices of water tanks have increased manifold. The tanker that was previously available for RS

1500_2000 is now retailed at Rs 5000_5500.

KSWBs’ dilapidated transmission and distribution system was not capable of catering to the needs of the people. Despite paying regular bills, the residents are not getting a regular supply of water.

Great Karachi Water Scheme

One possible remedy for Karachi’s residents is the Greater Karachi Water Supply Scheme K-IV. It was launched decades ago. Until now the scheme remains a dream.

Only ten percent of the work has been completed and the woes of the people of Karachi have not finished. The people of Karachi have been made to buy unhealthy and polluted water.

The project requires Rs.80 bn this year but they have not been provided half of the required fund. The project will take five years to complete with an estimated cost of 200 Bn. It will exceed drastically with the delay.

Boring

To overcome water deficiency the citizens have turned to shallow wells, commonly known as boring. Water pumps have been installed that draw water at the speed of 8 to 10 gallons per minute. Thousands of such wells are operating in Karachi.

However, people are not aware of the fact that this water is not safe for drinking because of its high bacterial contents causing hepatitis and typhoid.

The popularity of water pumps is damaging the underground water table. The water has now reached as deep as 200 feet and in some places even 500 feet.

Political influence on the water problem

Political influence has also affected the water problem adversely as every political group wants to maintain its monopoly over water resources. KWSB is also suffering financially because of the pending bills worth billions.

In a historic move, the provincial assembly passed The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation  Act, 2023. With its help, the government

will complete the water project with the financial help of The World Bank and The Asian Development Bank. The rest of the money will be given by the Sindh Government.

Only time will tell how much this project will be useful for the water supply for the people of Karachi. In the meantime, the people of Karachi will continue to purchase costly and unhygienic water.

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