Daily Times

KARACHI: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan has ordered registration of FIRs against persons involved in theft of water from the lines of Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) under section 14-A of the board for punishment of their act according to law which includes imprisonment, fine and forfeiture of immovable property.

He said this while presiding over a review meeting of KWSB on Tuesday at Governor House. Local Government Minister Jam Khan Shoro, Sindh Chief Secretary Siddique Memon, Commissioner Karachi Syed Asif Haider Shah and officers of KWSB attended the meeting.

The Sindh governor said that as this crime in non-bailable, the persons involved in this crime should immediately stop such acts. He said that KWSB by concentrating on four major things could serve Karachiites more effectively, which include generation, transmission, distribution and filtration of potable water. He directed that short, medium and long term plan should be envisaged in this regard and where the theft of water is more, it must be indicated so as to take punitive action against persons involved.

The governor ordered installation of filtration and purification plants at all 156 pumping stations of Karachi so as to ensure supply of purified water to masses of that area and adjoining localities. Due to supply of unpurified water, many water borne diseases are produced, which could be avoided by adding required quantity of chlorine in potable water, he added.

The governor said that revenue collection by KWSB is another problem, which requires immediate attention as delay in timely collection of dues increases financial crisis of the board.

He said that despite pumping of more than 500 MGD water from Dhabeji, Karahiites are getting average 230 MGD water daily, the main reason of which are theft, leakages and line losses which should be looked into by the authorities of the board.

Dr Ebad said that provincial government is striving to resolve the problems of the board adding that it has paid dues of Rs 9 billion to K-Electric on behalf of KWSB and has also pledged to pay the monthly electric bills.

He further directed for release of advertisement of Hub Dam Water Supply Scheme, which would ensure supply of estimated 50 MGD water to Karachi. He directed that the board should also prepare a comprehensive plan for judicious distribution of water to all parts of Karachi during Ramadan-ul-Mubarak and the entire summer season.

The governor also issued instructions for installation of meters at all pumping stations of the board so as to have a clear picture of water pumped and consumed. He said that a viable strategy should also be chalked out for gradual replacement of outdated machinery so as to improve the overall percentage of supply of water to Karachi.

Local Government Minister Jam Khan Shoro informed the governor that last year 24 hydrants of KWSB were operational in Karachi which have been reduced to 11 this year, while 56 sub-soil hydrants have also been closed. He further said that the Sindh chief minister has cleared dues of Rs 140 million of water tanker owners while he has also sanctioned funds for Hub, Dhabejee and other development projects of KWSB. He said that KWSB is determined to serve Karachiites with utmost devotion and dedication.

KWSB Managing Director Misbahud din Fareed informed the Sindh governor that increasing population, theft of water, illegal hydrants and leakages from old and dilapidated lines of the board are main bottle-necks in the working of KWSB. Apart from 156 water pumping stations, it also manages 20 sewerage pumping station in city, he added.

He said that SBCA and cantonment boards must be directed to pay a share from betterment charges and commercial tax to KWSB. He also briefed the Sindh governor about various projects of water supply in detail initiated in different periods.