KARACHI, Dec 29: Several towns in Karachi remained in the grip of an acute water shortage for a second consecutive day on Monday.

The crisis came after a shortfall of 200 million gallons of water on Sunday brought on by the prolonged suspension of power to the Dhabeji pumping station and a rupture in a 72-inch diameter rising main near National Highway. The Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) claimed on Monday that the burst pipeline had been completely repaired and water released, but sources at the utility said that normal supply to the affected towns and localities would likely not recommence till Tuesday.

The shortfall of over 200mgd of water created an acute shortage in several areas, including Landhi, Korangi, Malir, Shah Faisal, Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Saddar, Clifton, Defence Housing Authority and the adjoining areas.

Residents of the affected localities said that operators of private tankers continued to do a roaring business in their localities, charging exorbitant rates for supplying homes and businesses with water.

They also complained that all their requests for the provision of water through the KWSB tanker service were ignored by the officials concerned.