KARACHI: Despite reservations expressed by officials of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC), Mayor Murtaza Wahab has reiterated his resolve to eventually dismantle the city’s decades-old water tanker and hydrant system, saying the existing arrangement has fostered inequality in water distribution.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday after inaugurating the Jehangir Road rehabilitation project, the mayor—who also chairs the KWSC board—said tanker services have long filled gaps in areas not served by the piped water network. However, he argued that the system benefits select groups while unfairly holding the city administration responsible.
“There is water in Karachi; the real problem is its unjust distribution,” Mr Wahab said, adding that several illegal hydrants had already been shut down under his administration.
He said the contracts of seven legal hydrants had expired, leaving the city with two conventional options—renewing the contracts or permanently closing the hydrants. Instead, he proposed a third option: the gradual dismantling of the hydrant and tanker system, coupled with a comprehensive alternative water supply plan.
“If hydrants are closed, how will water reach areas that depend on tankers?” the mayor asked. “I have directed KWSC officials to develop a practical, citywide water supply strategy. We want to end this system, but responsibly.”
According to Mr Wahab, once the KWSC finalises its proposal, it will be presented to the City Council for approval. Only after formal endorsement will tanker services be phased out. Work on the strategy, he said, is currently underway.
Dismissing allegations of political motives, the mayor said his party had inherited the hydrant system and was not among its beneficiaries. “The beneficiaries are someone else, but the blame is directed at us,” he remarked.
While acknowledging that Karachi faces a genuine water shortage, he maintained that ensuring equitable distribution remains the administration’s primary goal.
However, sources told Dawn that during a recent meeting with KWSC’s senior management, the mayor was informed that an immediate decision was needed on renewing the hydrant contracts, which had expired around seven months ago. The mayor reportedly instructed the utility to consider shutting down hydrants to promote fairer distribution.
The sources cautioned that closing hydrants would not significantly improve the city’s water situation, as tanker supplies account for only 15–20 million gallons per day (MGD)—about 3.5 per cent of Karachi’s total 650 MGD supply.
They warned that areas such as Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Phases 5, 6, 7 and 8 would be most affected, as they rely heavily on tanker deliveries for daily water needs.
A DHA resident said these areas already receive limited water through pipelines and depend on tankers, adding that shutting down hydrants would further worsen the situation for residents.
Story by Imran Ayub | Tahir Siddiqui
