KARACHI: Water supply to a number of city localities was disrupted on Monday after an 84-inch-dia pipeline burst in Gulshan-i-Iqbal.

The Karachi Water and Sewerage Board said the damage was caused by K-Electric’s staff that had dug up the area for laying of underground cables.

Officials said the incident had caused “partial disruptions” in the KWSB’s water supply operations in various neighbourhoods.

A KWSB spokesperson said the KE men were digging up the area near its grid station in Gulshan Block 19 when the 84-inch-dia main line was damaged.

KWSB teams reached the area soon after the incident and cut water supply through the affected pipeline. The work to repair the leak was under way as KWSB managing director Asadullah Khan said that it would be complete by Tuesday evening (today).

He requested the citizens of the affected areas to use water cautiously.

Damage to the main line caused thousands of gallons of water to be wasted at a time when the city is already deficient in getting water for its millions of residents.

Nearby Jamshed Town and other adjoining areas are hooked to the affected pipeline.

A KE spokesperson said the power utility was working with the KWSB to ensure that the line got repaired as soon as possible.

“We regret the inconvenience caused by this unfortunate incident and are in contact with KWSB management for restoration efforts.

“We have offered the KWSB to extend all possible support in this regard,” said the KE spokesperson.

Published in Dawn, May 21st, 2019