KARACHI: The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation has announced a significant policy shift, aiming to phase out water supply via tankers and hydrants in favor of a pipeline-based distribution system throughout the city.
Mayor Murtaza Wahab has formally directed the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation to design a sustainable and alternative water supply framework. He emphasized the importance of delivering water directly to citizens through pipelines, ensuring accessibility at their doorsteps, and moving away from reliance on tankers.
A phased elimination of water hydrants is central to this plan, with all seven of Karachi’s existing hydrants set to be gradually decommissioned. The mayor clarified that a properly regulated pipeline network will take over water distribution. Although the hydrants currently generate approximately Rs300 million in revenue per month, Wahab asserted that financial gains cannot come at the expense of public welfare.
The mayor also confirmed that the contracts for these hydrants had expired last year and declared that no new agreements would be issued. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ending the “tanker culture” rather than perpetuating it.
To address the city’s persistent water shortages, Wahab proposed an interim strategy to supply water to various neighborhoods on alternate days. This approach aims to ensure equitable distribution while long-term improvements in infrastructure are implemented.
Highlighting the inefficiency of the tanker-based system, the mayor noted its unsustainable nature, citing high costs and unreliable service as major challenges for residents. He urged water department officials to prioritize upgrading infrastructure and developing effective plans so that citizens no longer have to rely on tankers for their essential water needs.
This decision, according to Wahab, underscores the city administration’s dedication to providing fair and enduring water supply solutions. Eliminating hydrants and reducing dependency on tankers is expected to enhance transparency, mitigate exploitation, and bring significant relief to Karachi’s population.
