KARACHI, Aug 15: Most parts of the city experienced an acute water shortage for the second consecutive day on Thursday in the wake of a short supply of over 155 million gallons of water, as well as the bursting of the 72-inch diameter pipeline at Dhabeji on Tuesday. Residents of water-starved localities told Dawn that in the absence of water supply, they had no choice but to either buy from private water tankers at exorbitant rates, or drink sub-soil, unhygienic water at the cost of their health. Private water tankers, most of which draw untested water from various private hydrants, did roaring business on Wednesday and Thursday, charging between Rs 400 and 500 per tanker from the residents of water-starved localities.

The worst affected areas included the sprawling townships of Baldia, Orangi, North Karachi, Surjani Town, Kharadar, Clifton’s Block 2, parts of Federal B Area, North Nazimabad, Nazimabad, Old Golimar, Burnes Road, Saddar, Bhadurabad’s Block 3, PECHS Block 6, Landhi, Korangi, Malir and Khokarapar.

The city’s overall water supply was aggravated since Tuesday, when it was supplied only 300 mgd as against the regular supply of 455 mgd from the Indus source owing to frequent power breakdowns that had kept taking place at the KWSB’s major pumping stations at Dhabeji, Pipri, Gharo and North-East Karachi at different intervals on Monday and Tuesday.

The recurring power breakdowns — according to KWSB officials — had also resulted in the bursting of the city’s main water supply line at Dhabeji, and with the bursting of the pipeline, they continued to be deprived by 30 mgd till Wednesday, when arrangements were finalized to supply water through an alternative pipeline.