FOR quite some time, I have been trying to book a water tanker through the online system of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC). Each day ends with the same automated message: “No quota available for today, try again tomorrow.” This virtual dead-end has become a source of frustration for countless residents.

In stark contrast, private tankers are easily available, but at inflated rates ranging from Rs2,900 to Rs3,500, despite the official KWSC rate being Rs2,500. What is worse, the very water being sold at these black market prices is sourced from the KWSC hydrant named ‘Crush Plant’, where the tankers are filled and then resold in residential areas across the Orangi Town at inflated rates.

This is not mere inefficiency; it is a glaring case of systemic abuse and exploitation. The residents of Orangi, one of Karachi’s largest low-income settlements, are already deprived of piped water, a fundamental right. Now, they are being forced to purchase water at predatory prices.

The apparent collusion between a certain group of KWSC officials and the tanker mafia is both disturbing and unacceptable. The people of Orangi deserve dignity, fairness and access to clean, affordable water without being held hostage by profiteers.

Will the KWSC leadership, city adminis- tration, and other relevant authorities take immediate and transparent action to dismantle the monopoly of the tanker mafia, enforce regulations, and ensure equitable water distribution for one and all?

Muhammad Anwar ul Haque
Karachi

Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2025