KW&SC claims Rs 30 mln from BRT contractor for water main damage

The restoration of the 84-inch diameter main water line, which had been damaged during the construction of the BRT track on University Road, has been successfully completed. After three days of repair work in a phased manner, the line was recharged, and water supply to the areas affected by the damage, including those supplied from Dhabeji, has now been restored.

The break in the 84-inch main water line had caused a significant disruption to water supply across many parts of the city. Initially, temporary repairs were carried out, but due to persistent leakage, further work was done. Double collar logs were installed during the repair process to permanently address the issue.

Sayed Salahuddin, Chief Operating Officer (CEO) Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KW&SB), spoke to local news outlet and commended the efforts of the Water Corporation administration in dealing with the situation.

He emphasized that the management’s response has been efficient and effective in restoring water supply to the affected regions. CEO KW&SB further revealed that an official letter had been dispatched to the management of the BRT project to claim damages caused by the main contractor during the construction of the BRT track. He added that the BRT management had been informed of the main line’s initials and design for water courses before the project commenced.

On November 28, 2024, an 84-inch diameter siphon (19 PRCC Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply), which crosses the alignment of the BRT Red Line Project near the University of Karachi, was ruptured at two spots during the pile work of Transum activities. This incident resulted in a drastic reduction of water supply, with 70 percent of the city’s piped water distribution affected for seven consecutive days.

Karachi experienced a water shortfall of 250 Million Gallons Daily (MGD), exacerbating the demand and supply gap for water in the city. The damaged pipeline serves as the main artery for bulk water transmission to the COD Filter Plant, from where water is distributed to various parts of the city. The rupture occurred primarily due to negligent behavior by the BRT (Red Line) contractor, as there was a lack of seamless coordination during the piling work.

Further reports suggest that additional pipeline bursts may have occurred, worsening the crisis. KW&SB quickly repaired two sections of the 84-inch diameter pipeline near Karachi University and the Nursing Areas on an emergency basis. However, after reopening the water flow, another leakage emerged, damaging the main road near the university. This will require further repairs.

The total cost of repairs, recovery efforts, and water dispatched from hydrants and other sources amounts to Rs. 35 million. Given the circumstances, KW&SB has advised that Rs. 35 million be deposited in favor of KW&SB as part of the BRT project’s ongoing work.

The department also urged the BRT management to exercise extreme caution and coordination during future piling work.