Karachi’s water supply will be disrupted for three days starting Monday, as repair work is scheduled on an 84-inch diameter water line on University Road.
The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KW&SC) spokesperson confirmed that the repair work on the key pipeline will take up to 72 hours, Express News reported.
The corporation is aiming to restore water supply by Wednesday even in The city receives 650 million gallons of water daily, but the repair work will cause a shortfall of 150 million gallons, with 500 million gallons continuing as usual.
The repair will affect several areas, including Lyari, Clifton, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Jamshed Town, and Old City.
However, the parallel pipelines will continue to supply water, ensuring minimal disruption.
The CEO of KW&SC visited University Road to inspect the line, ensuring the work proceeds efficiently.
The officials have been instructed to expedite repairs, with work continuing round the clock to meet the deadline.
Residents are urged to store water in advance and use it wisely during the disruption to avoid any inconvenience.
Few days ago, it was reported that water crisis has returned to haunt residents in most neighborhoods of the metropolitan city as the 84-inch water pipeline, which was damaged during development works and repaired only eight days ago, has started leaking again.
KWSC started fresh efforts to ensure water supply to the city of nearly three million people. A KWSC meeting has been called on Thursday which will decide on whether the repair work will involve shutting off the water temporarily or maintaining supply.
The initial problem began on Dec 3, when the pipeline ruptured at two locations due to the ongoing Red Line construction, causing a major disruption to water supply. The repair work lasted for eight days, during which over 2.5 billion gallons of water could not be delivered to the city, resulting in widespread shortages.
Although the supply was restored after the repairs, a new leak has now been detected, causing water to accumulate in a pit. There are concerns that the leakage may worsen over time, further exacerbating the situation.
During the previous crisis, Karachi residents spent over Rs3 billion purchasing water to meet their needs. With the possibility of another major water shortage looming, citizens may once again face challenges in securing a reliable water supply.
Karachi’s water supply system has once again been hit by a significant challenge, as residents brace for a three-day disruption starting Monday due to a burst in an 84-inch diameter pipeline on University Road. The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KW&SC) has announced that repairs will take up to 72 hours, with water supply expected to be restored by Wednesday evening.
This major pipeline rupture is the second such incident in less than two weeks, amplifying concerns over the city’s aging water infrastructure. With Karachi’s daily water demand already exceeding supply, the new disruption is expected to create additional hardships for residents, especially in the affected areas of Lyari, Clifton, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Jamshed Town, and the Old City.
Impact of the Pipeline Burst
Karachi receives 650 million gallons of water daily, but the ongoing repairs will reduce this supply by 150 million gallons. Fortunately, parallel pipelines will continue operating, mitigating the extent of the disruption. Nonetheless, the affected neighborhoods are urged to conserve water and store adequate supplies in advance.
During a visit to the site on University Road, the CEO of KW&SC emphasized the urgency of the situation, instructing officials to expedite the repair process. Repair teams are working around the clock to ensure the pipeline is operational by the stated deadline. The corporation has also requested residents to use water judiciously to minimize inconvenience during the disruption.
A Repeated Crisis
This is not the first time the city’s water supply has been compromised in recent weeks. On December 3, the same pipeline suffered ruptures at two locations due to construction activity related to the Red Line project. That incident caused an eight-day disruption, leaving over 2.5 billion gallons undelivered and resulting in severe water shortages across Karachi. Although repairs were completed, the pipeline began leaking again shortly after, raising questions about the quality and durability of the repair work.
Residents have already started voicing concerns about the recurring failures, which have forced many to rely on expensive private water tankers. During the previous crisis, Karachi’s residents spent over Rs. 3 billion to purchase water, a significant economic burden for many households.
Addressing the Underlying Issues
While the immediate focus is on repairing the current burst, the repeated failures highlight deeper issues within Karachi’s water infrastructure. The aging pipelines, coupled with damage from ongoing development projects, have made the system increasingly vulnerable to disruptions.
KW&SC has called for a meeting on Thursday to decide whether further repair work will require temporary shutdowns or whether it can be carried out while maintaining water supply. The corporation is also reportedly exploring long-term solutions to enhance the durability of the pipeline network and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Preparing for the Upcoming Shortage
In light of the impending three-day disruption, residents are urged to take proactive measures:
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Store Water in Advance: Fill all available storage tanks and containers before the repairs begin.
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Conserve Water: Limit water usage to essential activities like drinking, cooking, and hygiene.
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Stay Informed: Follow updates from KW&SC and local news outlets for the latest developments.
The recurring pipeline issues serve as a stark reminder of the need for comprehensive upgrades to Karachi’s water infrastructure. With a population of nearly three million relying on this vital resource, ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply must remain a top priority for city planners and government authorities.
The Way Forward
The frequent disruptions in Karachi’s water supply highlight an urgent need for investment in modern infrastructure, better coordination between development projects, and stringent monitoring of repair work. As Karachi’s population and water needs grow, such incidents could become even more common unless decisive action is taken.
In the meantime, residents must navigate yet another challenge, showcasing the resilience and adaptability that defines Karachi’s spirit. Let’s hope the city’s authorities can rise to the occasion and deliver a long-term solution to this pressing issue.