The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation revealed that citizens owe a total of 41 billion rupees in arrears to the municipal body, according to a report released on Wednesday. In response to the outstanding dues, the water corporation has initiated preparations for a recovery drive to collect the pending payments.
The report highlights that in North Karachi alone, 2.45 billion rupees are payable, with consumers of K-III line owing 185 million rupees each month. Surprisingly, only 18,400 consumers out of many are regularly paying their water bills. The water corporation receives a meager 16.5 million rupees from North Karachi, indicating that only nine percent of water consumers in this area are fulfilling their payment obligations.
Overall, the report indicates that only 0.98 percent of water bills are being paid in the entire city. Consequently, the water corporation currently faces a staggering 41 billion rupees owed by Karachi’s water consumers.
In June, the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) was granted corporation status, with Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab appointed as its head. This move aims to address the financial challenges faced by the water corporation and improve the efficiency of revenue collection. Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori signed a bill to amend the KWSB Act, elevating the board’s status to a corporation, with Mayor Karachi entrusted with its leadership.
