The Karachi Water and Sewerage Board has approved a 23% increase in water and sewerage bills during a board meeting led by Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab on Tuesday. This decision has sparked significant anxiety and frustration among residents.
The increase consists of a 14% rise in water charges and a 9% hike in sewerage charges, set to take effect next month. This latest adjustment adds to the financial strain on citizens already facing escalating utility costs.
The hike has faced strong opposition from Jamaat-e-Islami, with Saifuddin Advocate, a leader in the Karachi City Council, denouncing the move. “The Karachi Water and Sewerage Board is a failing institution, unable to provide basic services to the citizens. This increase is unacceptable,” he remarked.
Moreover, it has been confirmed that a municipal tax is now being collected through electricity bills, further burdening Karachi’s residents. This decision is part of broader efforts by the city administration to address the increasing financial demands of municipal services.