The Sindh High Court’s Constitutional Bench on Saturday directed the Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) to end the tanker-based water supply and ensure water reaches homes through pipelines.
The bench expressed concern while hearing a petition about water non-supply to a resident in Karachi’s Orangi Town.
Justice Adnan Karim criticized the KWSC, noting that the mayor had previously promised water supply through pipelines. “Then why is water not being supplied?” he asked during the hearing.
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The bench warned the corporation to provide water to the petitioner’s house immediately, stating that a stern decision would follow if the issue persisted.
The KWSC’s lawyer explained that old water lines, ongoing power load shedding, and reduced water from sources are limiting supply. Justice Karim responded sharply, urging the corporation to invest in new water lines.
“How are tankers getting water and supplying the city if pipelines are not working? It means water is available but not supplied by lines,” he remarked.
Karachi mayor ends hydrant system across the city
The court also noted that some tanker operators source water from illegal hydrants, highlighting mismanagement in distribution.
The SHC bench stressed the importance of providing a reliable and equitable pipeline system for citizens, emphasizing that the tanker system is not a sustainable solution.
Earlier to this, Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab has announced a major decision to end water supply through tankers and hydrants in the metropolis.
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The move aims to replace tanker-based supply with a pipeline network that delivers water directly to homes.
According to the mayor, instructions have been issued to senior officials of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KW&SC) to develop an alternative water distribution system.
Under the plan, all seven officially operating water hydrants in Karachi will be eliminated in phases, and water will instead be supplied through pipelines.
