مینو بند کریں
Search
Close this search box.
Karachi water supply line KWSC Karachi City

Repair of damaged water line in Karachi will take 2-3 days: MD KWSC

Syed Salahuddin Ahmed, the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC), asserted that the repair of the damaged water supply line in the University Road area will take 2 to 3 days.

During an interview with a private news channel here on Friday night, Salahuddin Ahmed emphasized that, despite limited resources, the KWSC is working diligently to provide water to the city whenever it is available.

Ahmed clarified that no issues were reported before November 27, and the water supply was functioning normally explaining that if the water is currently not being supplied, it means that there is a problem in the system.

MD KWSC claimed that the primary issue stems from the redline construction, which has punctured the 84-inch diameter water supply pipeline from two locations.

The authorities – after taking eight days to repair the damaged line – turned on the water supply, however, the water started leaking from the third position which has now been identified and will take 48 to 72 hours for repair, as stated by Ahmed.

The media reports indicated that the water pressure from the Dhabeji pumping station has been reduced, resulting in insufficient water supply to residents’ homes in Karachi.

Salahuddin after acknowledging the water pressure reports, stated that after the water supply disruption, Karachi witnessed a shortfall of about 250 MGD as 10 pumps at the Dhabeji pumping station were powered off due to leakage, which resulted in a water shortage of at least 50 percent of Karachi, Ahmed highlighted.

He clarified that this is a technical issue that needs to be understood, stressing that the total water supply was not halted, and KWSC continues to supply water to many areas.

However, he cautioned that if water is supplied at full capacity, it could damage the lines further, so it is necessary to proceed with caution.

“The work being carried out now aims to gradually reduce the water levels and repair the damage,” Ahmed said.

The Managing Director clarified that this issue is not the result of a conflict between organizations or authorities, adding that the problem arose from the age of the water pipeline, which was installed in 1958.

“When performing thrust boring, pressure is exerted on the upper part of the water supply lines, leading to damage. While the pipeline’s age is a contributing factor, the damage was caused by an external factor,” Salahuddin Ahmed claimed.

He pointed out that the KWSC had also provided the contractor with the exact location of the water lines to avoid damage during the red line construction, however, the guidelines were neglected leading to the water line damage.

Addressing the reporter’s question about fines and accountability, the MD stressed that the situation could have been avoided if proper care had been taken, the MD confirmed that a fine of Rs 35 million has been sent to the CEO of Transport Karachi for repairs, and strict guidelines have been set to ensure proper coordination and worksite management going forward.

He also explained that piling work cannot be carried out without exposing the water line, as it is essential to follow good engineering practices.

On the issue of water tankers, he clarified that relying on tankers is not a sustainable solution, as utilities globally do not depend on them.

Currently, around 5,500 tankers are operating in Karachi, and the new management, which he has led for two years, is working to bring the tanker services under regulatory control to better manage the supply.

A day earlier, Mayor of Karachi, Murtaza Wahab, stated that the damage to the 84-inch diameter water supply line on University Road was caused by the Red Line project.

He confirmed that the contractor working on the project affected the water supply line.

Wahab mentioned that he had contacted Surosh Lodhi, the head of Trans Karachi, urging him to address the issue.

According to the mayor, there were two leakages on University Road, with the major leakage already repaired.

However, two smaller leakages remain, which will be addressed within four days.

He added that water was running in the line to ease the public concerns, however, assuring that action would be taken against anyone found negligent in this matter.

جواب دیں

اقسام

رابطہ کی معلومات

ہمیں فالو کریں