The Sindh High Court (SHC) has taken a significant step towards addressing water supply concerns in the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) and Clifton areas of Karachi by summoning the CEO of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KW&SB) to present a comprehensive report on the water supply and demand situation. This decision comes in response to a pertinent petition heard by a two-member bench, led by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi.
During the court proceedings, the petitioner’s legal representative, Khawaja Shamsul Salam, raised allegations of improper escalation of property and conservancy taxes by both DHA and the Clifton Cantonment Board (CBC). The court expressed dissatisfaction with the actions of CBC and questioned the rationale behind charging citizens for water services that were not adequately provided.
Justice Abbasi emphasized that individuals paying for water services should not be burdened with additional expenses for water tankers, referencing a previous court directive. The court underscored the fundamental importance of water as a basic necessity for the people.
The counsel for the Clifton Cantonment Board informed the court that the water board was not adhering to the agreed-upon water supply terms outlined in the contract. While the contracted amount stipulated was 9 million gallons per day (mgd), the actual demand stood at 20 mgd.
Justice Abbasi reiterated that ensuring access to water for every household fell under the purview of the water board’s responsibilities. The board’s counsel attributed water shortages as a primary reason for the supply discrepancies and noted that addressing this scarcity might only be feasible upon the completion of the K-IV project, which aims to enhance Karachi’s water supply infrastructure.
Justice Abbasi also highlighted the situation of overflowing dams, emphasizing that water availability should not be compromised, especially given the current circumstances.
The petitioner’s lawyer drew attention to the fact that the cantonment had been supplying water via hydrants, raising questions about why direct line access was not fully utilized to ensure consistent water supply.
As the legal process continues, the forthcoming comprehensive report by the KW&SB CEO and subsequent actions will play a crucial role in addressing the challenges surrounding water supply in the DHA and Clifton areas of Karachi. This initiative reflects the court’s commitment to safeguarding citizens’ access to a vital resource and holding relevant authorities accountable for meeting their responsibilities.
