Monsoon rainfall: KWSB declares rain emergency

KARACHI: Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) managing director (MD) Asadullah Khan has declared a rain emergency in the department ahead of expected urban flood during the upcoming monsoon season.

According to sources, the decision was taken on the directives of Sindh Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah.

Assigned the responsibilities of a focal person to the chief sewerage engineer, Khan instructed the relevant officials to remain active in the expected spell of monsoon rainfall.

The MD instructed the officials to make sure the safety of all bulk water pipelines, filter plants, pumping stations, reservoirs, treatment plants, sewerage lines, sewerage pumping stations and other installations ahead of the upcoming monsoon season.

Khan also instructed concerned staff to cover manholes with lids and immediately level all pits and holes dug for maintenance purposes, while also removing rubble from near the manholes and sewerage lines.

Moreover, he asked the operational and field staff to be present in the relevant areas and keep all machinery and instruments ready as needed.

On the other hand, more than 500 small and large stormwater drains in the metropolis have not been cleaned, while 27 large drains are clogged with trash and mud which can cause a disaster in the upcoming rainy season, sources disclosed.

Sources further revealed major localities of the metropolis, including North Nazimabad, North Karachi, Malir and Saddar, Korangi Liaquatabad, Garden could be inundated.

Citizens have appealed to the Chief Minister Sindh, Commissioner Karachi and higher authorities to save the city of light from destruction during monsoon by issuing funds for cleaning the drains in the metropolis.