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hy are the people of Karachi, one of the largest cities in the world, suffering from a water shortage? In the morning, before going to work and in the evening, as soon as they return from work, the residents of the port city go looking for water because, even if there is some groundwater available for other domestic needs, drinking water is still needed.
Karachi, with a population of over 20 million, relies heavily on only two water sources; the Indus River and the Hub dam.
From the Indus, 646 million gallons of water is drawn daily. About 90 per cent (580 million gallons) of this water is stored in the Keenjhar Lake. Out of this, 5 per cent (30 million gallons) goes to Port Qasim and Steel Mills. 35 per cent (192 million gallons) is lost in theft and leaks. As a result, Karachi gets only 55 per cent of its quota (358 million gallons of water) from the Indus River. In addition, 100 million gallons of water are drawn from the Hub dam daily.
These numbers are alarming. They indicate that the city is in the grip of a severe water crisis, with only 41 per cent (458 million gallons) of the demand being met. Water shortage currently stands at 59 per cent (642 million gallons).
Over time, the city’s water demand has increased due to a boom in population. Use of limited water resources without proper planning has exacerbated the problem. The last project for water supply to Karachi was completed in 2005. It was named K-III. Since then, Karachi’s water supply has not been enhanced. K-IV came up, but has not been completed till date.
Over the last seventeen years, the city’s population has increased rapidly. Its residents were forced to use groundwater as a result. However, now the groundwater level in most areas of the city has dropped to a dangerous level. In some areas, boring is not possible close to the surface. In others groundwater is not potable.
After bringing water to the city, the second major step is the distribution of this water. It is very difficult to deliver water to all residents under an integrated system. This is where the water supply agency fails. Water crisis in Karachi is not solely due to scarcity, though that too is a major problem. It is also due to an unfair water distribution system.
The numbers indicate that the city is in the grip of a severe water crisis, with only 41 per cent (458 million gallons) of the demand being met. Water shortage currently stands at 59 per cent (642 million gallons).
There are more questions here than answers. What is the method of distribution of the 458 million gallons of water that is being provided to the city daily and who is responsible for unequal distribution? Who is getting the missing water? How is it being used? Who is forced to buy water at ridiculously high prices? Who pockets the money owed to the water supply department? Most importantly, who is profiting from this business?
Water is available in the city through tankers, but the taps are running dry. Could it be that a system was deliberately devised and imposed on citizens who now have no choice but to buy expensive water from tankers? This is happening in many parts of the city. Either, there is no water or there is no fixed schedule so that people have to stay up all night, waiting for the tanker to arrive. In most places, women stay awake at night and wait for water.
In some neighbourhoods, residents wait for 20 to 25 days. Tap water availability is sporadic and for only a few hours. Then there are entire neighbourhoods like Orangi Town where running faucets are a rare sight. Some people claim that have not received water for the last ten years or more, as in Bostan-i-Rafi in Malir district. These are areas where pipelines have been laid.
There are only a handful of settlements where water is available 24 hours a day. Even those getting water six to eight hours a day are considered fortunate. It is currently impossible for people in any area of Karachi to attest that the water that is being provided there is safe.
A comprehensive strategy is needed to improve overall water supply capacity and prioritising the repair, replacement and maintenance of water-related infrastructure.
The contributor is aKarachi-based urban planner and geographer