KARACHI, June 13: Frequent power failures and low voltage problem at local pumping stations on Saturday and Sunday played havoc with the city's water supply position in the current sizzling temperature.

Pumping of water to various parts of the city on Sunday was affected badly as power supply kept on playing hide and seek at different pumping stations, compelling the residents of the affected localities to either buy water through private tankers at exorbitant rates or consume sub-soil unhygienic water at the cost of their health.

People residing in highrises and multi-storied buildings also suffered acute water shortage in the wake of frequent power failures as they could not pump water to their over-head tanks despite having water in the underground tanks.

Complaints of persisting water shortage were received from the residents of Clifton's Block 2, Jutland Lines, different sectors of Orangi, Baldia, North Karachi, Surjani Town, parts of Shershah, Site (both residential and industrial areas), Baghdadi, Kharadar, Mithadar, Keamari, Pakistan Chowk, Haquani Chowk, Mehmoodabad and several other localities.

The residents of Liaquatabad's blocks 3 and 7 and those residing near Sindhi Hotel complained that since power failures in their localities as well as at the respective pumping station had become a matter of routine, they often went without water.

A similar complaint was received from the residents of Gulshan-i-Iqbal's block 13-D/1. People residing in the affected block complained that they could not pump water to their overhead tanks due to frequent disruption of power supply on Sunday.

Taking advantage of the situation, private water tankers demanded Rs400 to Rs500 per tanker from the water-starved residents of different areas. A number of tankers drawing water from both Rangers-manned hydrants as well as private hydrants, which were in high demand on Saturday and Sunday, were seen running on roads.