KARACHI: The city’s water situation has reached “alarming” levels, JI opposition leader in the City Council, Saifuddin Advocate warned on Monday, seeing no end to civic disorder in sight.
Speaking to reporters at Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation office, he highlighted water shortage and chocked sewerage lines as “critical” issues continuing to affect the city and the people.
He noted that Karachi has been facing water shortage for months, coupled with a failing sewage system.
“Sewage lines across Karachi are completely choked, and the city is drowning in its waste,” he stated, adding that the residents are enduring severe hardship due to the unavailability of clean water.
He criticized Karachi’s mayor, who also serves as the Chairman of Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation, for his lack of coordination with Union Committee (UC) and Town Chairmen.
He said, “We expected the mayor to involve all UCs and Towns Chairmen in resolving this crisis, but instead, he is targeting traders.”
The party submitted a memorandum to the CEO of the Water Corporation, urging urgent action.
“The K-IV project has been delayed far too long and without a proper water supply system, water cannot reach citizens,” Saifuddin warned.
He also highlighted the deteriorating state of existing water supply lines, which frequently break due to aging infrastructure.
He alleged that the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation is seeking a $1.6 billion loan for development projects but is failing to consult with the UCs and Towns Chairmen.
Furthermore, he accused the PPP of discriminating against Karachi.
“Karachi is being held hostage by mafias and the PPP government’s policies reflect bias against the city,” he claimed.
The opposition leader asserted that his party stands with the people of Karachi and has prioritized the repair of sewage lines in its jurisdictions. However, he stressed the need to target the leaders of mafias to resolve the issue.
“Arresting low-level operatives will not help solve the problem unless the masterminds behind these mafias are brought to justice,” he concluded.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2024