Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab has announced a major policy shift to end the supply of water through tankers and hydrants in the city, directing the top management of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) to establish an alternative and sustainable water distribution system.
Chairing a meeting, the mayor ordered the phased closure of all seven water hydrants operating in Karachi, stressing that the future focus must be on supplying water to citizens through the formal pipeline network.
He instructed officials to make arrangements to ensure doorstep water delivery via pipelines so residents are no longer dependent on tankers.
Highlighting the city administration’s priorities, Mayor Wahab said that although water hydrants generate around Rs300 million in monthly revenue, public convenience and fair access to water take precedence over income.
He revealed that the contracts of the existing hydrants expired last year and made it clear that no new contracts will be issued.
“The aim is to rid the citizens of the tanker culture,” the mayor stated, adding that tanker-based supply is neither sustainable nor a permanent solution and continues to cause hardship for Karachiites.
To manage the current water shortage during the transition period, Mayor Wahab proposed a rotation system, under which water will be supplied to different areas on an alternate-day basis.
He reiterated that ending tanker and hydrant dependence is a necessary step toward reforming Karachi’s water management system and ensuring equitable water distribution across the city.
