KARACHI: The city will face a shortfall of 250 million gallons per day (MGD) of water for 48 hours starting Saturday as work to connect a newly constructed line with the existing water network at the Dhabeji Pumping Station has begun.

The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) said that the final interconnection work on the new transmission line No. 5 would begin on Saturday evening and be completed in 48 hours.

A water utility spokesperson said that the shutdown, scheduled from 12 noon on April 25 to April 27, was part of the KWSC Improvement Programme (KWSSIP) aimed at modernising the city’s ageing water network.

He said that during the interconnection, water supply from the Fourth Phase, K-II and K-III systems would remain suspended. “Areas facing complete disruption include North Karachi, Surjani Town, Scheme 33 and Gulistan-i-Jauhar. Parts of Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Saddar and Chanesar Town will also see temporary shortages,” he added.

The spokesman said that the upgrade would improve transmission efficiency and stabilise system-wide pressure once completed.

To connect the newly built Central Line No. 5 with the existing network, nine out of the total 21 pumps at Dhabeji will be taken offline. Seven pumps will be restored by April 27, while two will remain offline for five more days to finish technical work.

The Nipa, Safoora and Sakhi Hasan hydrants will stay closed during the work.

Karachi normally receives 650MGD, but supply will drop to around 400MGD during the maintenance window.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2026