THE Askari Colonies Management in Askari III has set an admirable standard by converting a 35-year-old traditional wastewater system of residential apar-tments into an innovative grey water recycling system to address water scarcity, and promote sustainability. Previously, wastewater from showers and sinks used to flow directly into sewers.

Now, it is repurposed for gardening, excluding kitchen and toilet waste, to ensure suitability for irrigation. This eco-friendly solution, already adopted by over two dozen of the 55 blocks, sustains lawns of approximately 900 square feet or more, and conserves precious freshwater.

Semi-clean water from showers and sinks of two bathrooms in the apartments on the first, second and third floors is collected in drums, and repurposed for gardening by the ground floor residents using electric motors.

The said housing scheme, distinguished by its resident-maintained open green lawns and trees, has preserved and enhanced its greenery through such efforts. Apartment blocks in the neighbourhood are increasingly adopting this system, reflecting a positive shift in residents’ readiness to implement sustainable solutions.

This transformation highlights how other neighbourhoods across the country can opt to have recycled grey water for their needs. Furthermore, new constructions should incorporate separate systems for grey water recycling from the planning stage to ensure long-term sustainability.

Laila Hasan
Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 14th, 2025