IN a mega city like Karachi, people are still going from house to house carrying empty containers in search of water. This is life in the 21st century for most of the Karachiites who cannot afford to have a private water tanker as a matter of routine.

One of the worst affected areas, for sure, is Old Golimar where water is a scarce commodity; where every drop matters.

People are deprived of water by a mafia that has several players; the most obvious ones being the owners of water tankers and officials of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB).

Officials, including the relevant deputy commissioner, have repeatedly visited the area and have left after making promises. Every time such a visit takes place, water supply gets better for a few days before it trickles away. If the issue can be resolved on a short-term basis, it can surely be resolved permanently, but nobody seems to be interested in such a proposition.

At present, there is no water being supplied at all to houses on Maula Dad Street, Noor Muhammad Street, Haji Priya Street and adjoining areas. People bring water from New Golimar or Gutter Baghicha from across the road.

People have suffered a lot already. With intense summer months just round the corner, it is time for one and all to resolve the water crisis without any further delay.

M. Saleem Ghani
Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 5th, 2021