Karachi faces water shortage after Dhabeji breakdown

KARACHI: A power failure at the Dhabeji Pumping Station disrupted Karachi’s water system on Tuesday, with the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation saying the city’s daily supply is likely to fall by around 100 million gallons.

According to a KWSC spokesperson, the electricity breakdown by K-Electric affected the K-2 Pump House, where the manifold chamber and main valves developed a fault. The spokesperson said three major pumps at the K-2 Pumping Station were temporarily shut down because of the malfunction.

The official said emergency repair work had been ordered and technical staff were working at the site. He said accumulated water was first being removed from the affected valves so repairs could begin.

"Work is being carried out at full pace to remove accumulated water from the affected valves, after which repair work will begin immediately, "the spokesperson said. "Engineers and maintenance staff are present at the site to identify and fix the fault as quickly as possible."

KWSC said the disruption could hit several neighbourhoods, including North Nazimabad, Federal B. Area, Buffer Zone, Gulshan-i-Iqbal Block 13-D, Gulistan-i-Jauhar and parts of Scheme 33. Under normal conditions, Karachi receives about 650 MGD of water, the spokesperson said, adding that supply in the affected localities may remain suspended until the repair work is completed.