Mayor Murtaza Wahab Plans to Abolish City’s Hydrant-Based Water Distribution System

KW&SC to propose hydrants alternate plan on Jan 23.

Water tankers benefit private interests rather than residents: Mayor

Mayor Murtaza Wahab on Wednesday announced plans to phase out the city’s long-standing reliance on water tankers supplied through hydrants. He directed the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KW&SC) to develop an alternative water distribution system aimed at ensuring fair access across the metropolis.

The announcement comes as Pakistan’s largest city continues to grapple with a severe water shortage. Karachi requires more than 1,200 million gallons of water per day but currently receives roughly 650 million gallons, forcing large sections of the population to depend on tanker-delivered water.

Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the Jehangir Road Rehabilitation Project, Wahab said the existing hydrant-based system would be “abolished,” arguing that it benefits private interests rather than residents who face chronic shortages. “The contract period for each hydrant is two years, and the term for all seven hydrants in the city has expired,” he said. “When the question of renewal came up, I recommended a third option to shut them down.”

Wahab acknowledged that tanker services have been operating in Karachi for decades and were initially meant to supply areas where piped water does not reach. However, he rejected allegations that hydrants are controlled by his party and said widespread public perception is that water theft occurs through these facilities.

“There is water in the city, but it is not being distributed fairly,” Wahab stated. “Some neighborhoods go without water for up to 90 days, while others receive daily supply and even use water for washing vehicles.”

The mayor stopped KW&SC from issuing new tenders for hydrants and instructed officials not to proceed with any bidding until a comprehensive strategy is finalized.

A board meeting of the Water Corporation is scheduled for January 23. Wahab said he has told them clearly that no tender will be issued until a viable alternative system is presented. “If hydrant services are shut down, how will water reach areas that depend on them? That is what the Water Corporation must resolve.”

Wahab expressed concern over prolonged shortages in areas such as Sher Shah and stated that the administration’s priority was to ensure fair access to water for all residents.