KARACHI: Frequent spells of loadshedding at Karachi Water & Sewerage Board (KWSB) Dhabeji pumping stations on Thursday developed mechanical problems at the pumping stations, thus depriving Karachi of 50.5 million gallons of water (MGD).

According to KWSB spokesman, the suspension of power supply at Dhabeji-linked pumping stations caused serious disruption in water supply to major areas of three districts of Karachi – East, South and Central, particularly in the areas of North Nazimabad, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Mehmoodabad, Qurangi, Shah Faisal Colony and Landhi.

The spokesman said the pumping stations of Gharo, Pipri and Dhabeji also suffered frequent load shedding during the three days of Eid, and as a result 170 million gallons water could not be supplied to the city during these three days.

He added that major pumping stations of Gharo and Pipri are badly hit due to unannounced loadshedding.

“KESC had announced before Eid that no loadshedding will be carried out at KWSB pumping stations but it did not honor its commitment and also ignored the orders of the Sindh High Court in this regard,” said the spokesman.

Managing Director KWSB Misbah Fariduddin has appealed to top government officials to constitute a high-level team to assess the damages incurred to KWSB machinery owing to unrestrained loadshedding of KESC during last six months.

He added that authorities must probe whether the frequent power breakdowns at KWSB pumping stations were part of a conspiracy to sabotage the water supply in order to destabilise Karachi. He said it was time to calculate losses sustained by KWSB in wake of power suspension.