Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has revealed that the city administration plans to phase out water supply through hydrants in the near future. This decision comes as part of efforts to address the city’s significant water shortage and improve distribution fairness.
Hydrant System to Be Replaced
During a media briefing following the inauguration of the Jehangir Road Rehabilitation project, Mayor Wahab stated that he has instructed the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) to formulate a new strategy for water distribution across Karachi. The current hydrant system, which supplies water via tankers to many areas, will be discontinued once the alternative plan is approved.
Water Demand and Supply Gap
Karachi requires over 1,200 million gallons of water daily but currently receives only about 650 million gallons. Due to this shortfall, many neighborhoods depend on water tankers supplied from hydrants. The mayor emphasized the need for a more equitable distribution system.
Contract Expiry and Future Direction
Mayor Wahab explained that the contracts for the city’s seven hydrants, each lasting two years, have expired. Instead of renewing these contracts, he has recommended closing the hydrants altogether. KWSC officials are working on a proposal for an alternative system, which will be presented to the City Council for approval.
Ensuring Fair Water Distribution
Highlighting that the hydrant system was inherited and benefits others, the mayor stressed the importance of fair water allocation amid scarcity. Upon City Council approval, the administration will halt tanker services supplied through hydrants to implement the new distribution method.
