The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has announced a significant change in the city’s water supply system, moving away from tanker and hydrant distribution toward a piped water network.
Phasing Out Hydrants and Tankers
During a meeting chaired by Mayor Murtaza Wahab, the KMC directed the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) to develop an alternative water supply system based on pipelines. This move aims to gradually close all seven operational hydrants across Karachi.
“All hydrants in Karachi will be phased out, and water will be supplied to citizens through pipelines,” Wahab stated, emphasizing the goal of delivering water directly to residents’ homes via proper pipeline connections.
Financial and Operational Considerations
The mayor noted that the city currently generates approximately Rs300 million monthly from hydrant operations. However, contracts for these hydrants expired last year and will not be renewed. Wahab highlighted the intention to eliminate citizens’ dependence on tanker water supply by discontinuing new contracts.
“Providing water through tankers is not sustainable, and citizens face difficulties because of it,” he added, acknowledging the challenges posed by the current system.
Interim Water Supply Measures
To manage water shortages during the transition, the city will supply water to different areas on alternate days until the pipeline infrastructure is fully established.
Government Oversight and Future Monitoring
This development follows a directive from the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, which urged the Sindh government to take prompt action against the so-called ‘tanker mafia.’ The committee also resolved to hold quarterly review meetings to monitor progress on the K-IV water project and other key initiatives, including funding and implementation status.
