Daily Times

KARACHI: Chief Minister (CM), Sindh has directed Managing Director (MD), Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) to prepare a water contingency plan to streamline regular supply of water to citizens of Karachi in summer.

Hashim Raza Zaidi, MD KWSB has informed that he was called on by Rizwan Memon, Sindh Chief Secretary (CS) to Secretariat on this matter. CS has asked to comply with CM’s directives in order to ensure supply of water during summer.

The areas come under supply of pipeline drinking water from Hub Dam source should be given priority, CS has instructed.

Zaidi said that department was taking measures to supply 50 MGD to 100 MGD of water to Katchi abadis, Hub area, Baldia and OrangiTown, as these localities are more water-affected. Zaidai informed that by the year end 2017, there would be an anticipated shortfall of 600 MGD (2700 ml/day) of water.

He said due to pilferage and leakages of water conduits besides on account of non-revenue water consumption, water supply through KWSB system has been facing around 35 percent water loss on daily basis.

“We will try our best to keep a vigilant eye for smooth supply of water to all areas in Karachi besides we are taking all corrective measures to lessen the water loss and prevent pipe line water theft”, he added.

The projected population of Karachi is 23 million and it is estimated per capita consumption of water stands at 54 gallons per day. The demand of water daily stands around 1,242 million gallon per day (MGD).

The present supply to Karachi from Indus and Hub sources is approximately 650 MGD (2925 ml/day).