KARACHI, Dec 4: Old water pipelines in areas of former district West could not withstand the heavy water flow as areas hooked to the Hub Dam for water needs have been affected by water gushing out from these lines.
Resumption of supply from Hub source, with the advent of Ramazan, had, to a great extent, mitigated the water shortage related miseries of the people of Baldia, Orangi and of a major part of the Site Town, which were severely affected by the scarcity of water during the last summer.
However, the heavy flow of water from Hub source has exposed the fragility of the 20 to 25 year old water distribution network, as major parts
of these lines had rusted due
to negligence of the department concerned, resulting in development of holes at some places.
Allegedly, a huge quantity of water is being wasted, since resumption of water supply from Hub source, spilling into sewerage nullahs causing water losses and power wastage as well.
The department concerned, despite complaints, has yet to come up with a comprehensive plan to prevent water losses, which could be saved if proper arrangements were made before the resumption of supply.
The leakages are not only resulting in water losses but also damaging roads in these towns, which have already poor road infrastructure due to government’s neglect.
The leakages are also contributing to unhygienic conditions prevailing in these localities due to many cattle pens in these areas producing animal waste.
The town administrations concerned, when contacted, told PPI that a number of letters had been written to the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) to draw its attention toward this problems, but no steps had yet been taken to plug these leakages.—PPI
