Politics of water

Shortage of water is not new to Karachi. Such shortages have been experienced summer after summer each year. These issues now however appear to be taking on potentially disturbing political dimensions, and we can only hope the tussle between the parties will not further complicate the provision of water for citizens across the city. On Friday a tussle broke out between legislators of the PPP and the MQM as an adjournment motion related to the water supply situation was taken up for hearing. Minister for Local Government Sharjeel Memon stated that, while Karachi required 1000 million gallons of water a day to meet its needs, only 550 was currently being supplied mainly because the Hub Dam was running dry as a result of low rain. He also said efforts would be made to supply additional water from other sources. The issue, however, led to strong allegations being made by the MQM against Memon whom they accused of ‘unethical activities’. These essentially related to allegations that the minister had ordered the shutting down of marriage halls run by MQM members and also had workers linked to the party dismissed from the municipality and other local bodies. While Memon defended his position the MQM insisted these actions amounted to victimisation.
Regardless of whether or not the accusations are correct, the fact is that they have nothing to do with the water shortage or the urgent need to solve it. The problem is also leading to water being sold by the tanker mafia which is also controlling its supply. Sharjeel Memon has asked why the MQM has not joined the committee set up to look into the water issue. The MQM assertion that the invitation to do so came too late does not appear to be very convincing. It has, however, been agreed that MQM members will join teams visiting water pumps and stations across Karachi to assess the problem. This is obviously a positive move forward. Less positive is the warning from the MQM of protests if the problem is not sorted out. The issue of water has plagued Karachi for far too long. It is a major hindrance for the people of the city and it is time some answers were found. This can best be achieved if all political parties work together rather than exploiting the issue to level attacks on each other. The lack of water affects the supporters of both major parties. For the sake of the people of Karachi, they would do well to put differences aside and come up with practical methods to bring water into their homes.