Karachi water crisis worsens as shortages stretch into second week

KARACHI: The city’s water crisis has entered its second week, with residents across multiple areas facing acute shortages after a series of supply disruptions and infrastructure failures.

The crisis began when the Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) shut down a major conduit to connect a new 72-inch pipeline near Dhabeji Pumping Station, creating an immediate shortfall of around 250 million gallons per day (MGD). Although partial restoration followed, a power breakdown at the pumping station damaged key installations and caused multiple pipeline bursts.

While repair work restored some supply, fresh leakages in the newly installed line at Gulshan-i-Hadeed have delayed full recovery. Authorities say the current shortfall stands at around 80MGD, with areas including Korangi, Malir, Saddar, DHA and Clifton among the worst affected.

Residents report going days without water, forcing many to rely on expensive tanker services. KWSC says supply is being managed in phases, but complaints continue to emerge from across the city.

Meanwhile, efforts to improve long-term supply are underway, with the European Investment Bank agreeing to support upgrades in filtration and distribution systems.