Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KW&SB) Managing Director Khalid Mehmood Shaikh on Friday said that water in the Hub Dam is at low level that has affected water supply to different areas, particularly the Central and West Districts of the metropolis.
However, he said, KW&SB is making all out efforts to ensure equal and just distribution of water to each district of the port city. "Immediate steps are being taken to resolve the water crises in district west and other parts, which will yield positive results," the MD said, talking to a visiting delegation of Awami National Party (ANP) headed by Shahi Syed at his office.
No rain in Karachi or Hub this year is said to be the cardinal reason behind Hub Dam's drastically reduced water level. KW&SB is installing latest water pumps to supply the commodity to the city. Meanwhile, citizens alleged that illegal connections from water lines have been granted to the industrial units operating in different areas, particularly, in Orangi Town, New Karachi, , Surjani Town, Korangi, etc.
Residents of district central were seen in long queues in front of the hydrant near Sakhi Hasan roundabout during the holy month of Ramazan. Similar situation could be witnessed in parts of district central. Sources said the KW&SB's water supply infrastructure has become outdated and the pipeline leakages have become routine now. They recalled that the lines were laid down as part of the Greater Karachi Water Scheme some 58 years back. They said the government needs to replace these old pipelines with new ones.
The KW&SB has established 'online tankers centre' to mitigate the woes of citizens a couple of months back. In order to ensure equal distribution of water, the board had announced allocation of a day-to-day general public service quota of tankers for different areas of the city.
However, consumers complained that designated phone numbers mostly go engaged, creating problems for them to bring water container at their doorstep, when needed. They urged the water board to arrange more attendants and phone numbers so that their calls can easily be received and entertained.