The Government of Sindh, in collaboration with the World Bank under the Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Programme (KWSSIP), has taken a significant step to further strengthen Karachi’s water supply system. The initiative is aimed at modernizing the city’s ageing and pressure-strained water distribution network and ensuring a more reliable and uninterrupted supply to consumers.
In this regard, a major project to enhance water transmission from the Dhabeji Pumping Station to Karachi has entered its final stages of completion. Under the scheme, work has been initiated to connect the newly constructed Central Line No. 5 with the existing water network at the Dhabeji facility. Officials said the upgrade is expected to improve transmission efficiency and help stabilise system-wide pressure.
According to a Spokesperson for the KW&SC, the city has been facing long-standing water supply issues due to the deteriorated condition of the old Line No. 5. The damaged infrastructure has been continuously affecting water transmission from the Dhabeji Pumping Station.
In view of these challenges, the installation of a new pipeline had become inevitable, and work is now being expedited for timely completion. Once operational, the new line is expected to bring a significant improvement in the city’s water supply situation.
Officials said full operationalization of the new system requires interconnection with the existing network along with the installation of modern valves. For this purpose, a scheduled 48-hour shutdown of nine pumps at the Dhabeji Pumping Station has been planned.
The shutdown will begin on Saturday, April 25 at 12 noon and continue for 48 hours until Monday, April 27. According to the plan, seven of the nine pumps will be restored from April 27, while the remaining two pumps will remain offline for an additional five days to complete essential technical works.
During the interconnection process, water supply from the Fourth Phase, K-II and K-III systems will remain temporarily suspended. However, supply through the remaining operational systems will continue as per routine.
During this period, water supply will remain suspended in North Karachi, Surjani Town, Scheme 33 and Gulistan-e-Jauhar, while parts of Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Saddar and Chanesar Town will also face temporary disruptions. The Nipa, Safoora and Sakhi Hasan hydrants will also remain closed during the maintenance activity.
The Official said the shutdown will result in a temporary shortfall of around 250 million gallons per day. Karachi normally receives about 650 million gallons daily; however, around 400 million gallons will continue to be supplied during the maintenance period to minimise inconvenience to residents.
The Spokesperson KW&SC urged citizens to use water judiciously during the maintenance window to avoid shortages or low-pressure issues. He added that the project is part of a long-term strategy to make Karachi’s water supply system more efficient, stable and sustainable.
