Karachi to phase out water supply through tankers, hydrants

KARACHI: The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has decided to end the supply of water through tankers and hydrants across the city, marking a major policy shift aimed at curbing the tanker mafia and improving the piped water distribution system.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has directed senior officials of the Water Corporation to introduce an alternative mechanism to ensure water supply through pipelines. He instructed that all seven hydrants operating in the city be removed in a phased manner and that water distribution be shifted to a line-based system to provide water directly to citizens at their doorsteps.

The mayor said that although water hydrants generate around Rs 300 million in monthly revenue, their contracts expired last year and will not be renewed. He reiterated that eliminating the tanker mafia and providing relief to citizens remains the top priority of the city administration.

Acknowledging Karachi’s persistent water shortage, Murtaza Wahab said that water would be supplied to different areas on alternate days to manage demand. He noted that tanker-based water supply is not a sustainable solution and has caused significant hardship for residents.

Meanwhile, the city administration has also decided to introduce wide-ranging financial reforms within the Karachi Metropolitan Municipality. In this regard, a delegation from the Financial Accounting and Budgeting System (FABS) Directorate and the Controller General of Accounts met the mayor and provided a detailed briefing on financial and administrative reforms.

The mayor said the reforms are aimed at improving transparency, strengthening financial management, and enhancing the overall efficiency of the municipal system.