THE Defence Housing Authority (DHA) area in Karachi is perhaps the only ‘posh’ residential area in the civilised world that does not have a consistent water supply for its residents. To meet the water needs of its sprawling population, a desalination plant was installed in the recent past. However, due to massive corruption and mismanagement of taxpayer money, it was never commissioned.

The unique approach to water supply, including the deliberate failure related to the desalination plant, seems to serve the vested interests of the private water tanker mafia.

As a result, DHA residents are forced to buy expensive water, although they pay annual water charges to the Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC), the body under whose jurisdiction the ill-fated area falls.

As per the CBC stance, the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) does not supply enough water to meet the actual demand, causing acute shortage. Ironically, the KWSC somehow has enough water to cater to the needs of all DHA residents, but only through expensive water tankers operating 24 hours a day on narrow, broken and bumpy DHA roads.

These water tankers not only cost millions to the residents, they also damage roads, exacerbate traffic congestion, increase the risk of accidents, and pose high risk to all sorts of vehicles.

Where there is a will, there is a way, provided there are no vested interests involved. The DHA could easily discuss the matter with the KWSC to supply the same water directly to the CBC instead of providing it to private tankers.

The same water — not a drop more, mind you — can be supplied to DHA residents via the existing distribution lines. Besides, any additional cost may be reasonably adjusted against the annual water charges.

Shehzad Ahmed
Karachi

Published in Dawn, April 20th, 2025