KARACHI: Finally there is some welcome respite for heatwave-hit Karachiites, repair work on three major water supply lines damaged during a power breakdown at the Dhabeji Pumping Station has been completed, with supply resuming to several densely populated areas of the city, the Water Corporation said the other day.
The restoration comes as Karachi and the entire southern belt continue to reel under a severe heatwave, with temperatures hovering above 40°C and the Met Office warning of persistently hot and humid conditions. Access to water has been a critical concern for residents battling the extreme weather.
According to a spokesperson for the Water Corporation, the three affected conduits that channel water from the Indus River source to Karachi were repaired after sustaining damage during a power breakdown on April 27. The breakdown had disrupted bulk supply to the city for nearly a week.
“Water supply has been restored in Korangi, Malir, Chanesar Town, Saddar, Clifton and Defence Housing Authority (DHA),” the spokesperson said. “We understand how difficult the situation was for citizens in this heat, and teams worked round the clock to complete repairs.”
Despite the restoration, the city continues to face a deficit of 40 million gallons per day (MGD), the spokesperson added, but noted that the bulk of the immediate crisis has been averted.
Timing brings relief amid extreme heat
The Dhabeji Pumping Station — Karachi’s main bulk water facility located about 60km from the city — suffered a power breakdown on April 27 that affected three key lines feeding the metropolis. The incident triggered acute shortages across multiple districts just as the heatwave intensified, forcing many residents to rely on expensive private tankers.
The Water Corporation had earlier warned that repairs could take several days due to the scale of damage to the pipelines and associated electrical infrastructure. Tanker operations were intensified in the interim, but demand far outstripped supply in many areas.
Karachi, with an estimated population exceeding 20 million, relies on the Dhabeji and NEK Pumping Stations for the bulk of its water. The city’s total demand stands at over 1,200 MGD, while supply typically hovers around 650 MGD — a chronic gap that becomes life-threatening during heatwave conditions.
The spokesperson said supply was being gradually normalised and pressure in the distribution network was stabilising. “With the repair of all three lines complete, we expect further improvement in the next 24 to 48 hours,” he said. “This should provide much-needed relief to households, hospitals, and schools struggling in the heat.”
Residents in the affected areas reported that water started reaching households by late Friday night, with many calling it “a blessing” after days of hardship. Water Corporation officials urged citizens to continue using water judiciously until the system returns to full capacity and the remaining 40 MGD shortfall is addressed.
The power utility serving Dhabeji had not issued a separate statement on the cause of the April 27 breakdown by the time this report was filed.
