The Sindh government, KWSB and the district administration has once again failed to provide smooth water supply as different areas have been facing acute shortage of water since months now. According to KWSB, the water requirement of Karachi is 1,000 million gallons per day (mgd), whereas it is being supplied 550 mgd. The Hub Dam that used to supply 100 mgd has also already dried due to lack of rainfall. Hence the city is facing a shortage of 450mgd water. Karachiites have been left at the mercy of tanker mafia who are fleecing consumers by charging Rs 3,000 to 8,000 per tanker. The rates of water tankers vary from one locality to the other. Residents of various water-starved localities in Karachi who are convinced that the government shall do nothing to provide clean and safe water have started boring wells. I am cognizant of the fact that apart from water theft, massive influx of migrants, pipeline leaks and scarcity of rainfall have also led to the water woes. But still it is for the governments, federal or provincial, to initiate projects to meet the rising water demand of the metropolis. KIFAYAT HUSSAIN Karachi