KARACHI: The Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) on Wednesday raided an illegal hydrant in Gulshan-e-Iqbal near Moti Mahal and seized a water tanker, machinery, pumps and hundreds feet of pipes.

The action was taken on the directives of KWSB chief Asadullah Khan. The illegal hydrant was operating in the name of subsoil water. The operators illegally hooked with KWSB lines to steal water.

In another action, the water utility seized pipes used to get connection from main line of Federal B Industrial Area near Lucky One.

The KWSB chief appreciated the staff for taking successful actions against water theft and directed them to expedite their efforts against water thieves.

There is a need to stop water theft and leakages in Karachi on an emergency basis as almost whole city is facing water scarcity even in Ramazan. Bottled and tanker water has become a big business in the city, which needs to be ended.

Published in Dawn, May 23rd, 2019