Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab inaugurated solar-powered pumping stations and water supply schemes in Dumba Goth and Hashim Gabol Goth in District Malir on Thursday. He was accompanied by Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad and others.
The projects aim to provide clean drinking water to over 40 villages, benefiting more than 50,000 residents and addressing decades-long water scarcity in the region. During the visit, the mayor was briefed on the initiative launched in collaboration with the Sindh energy department. An 80 kilowatt (KW) solar system has been installed at the Dumba Goth water pumping station and a 60KW system at the Hashim Gabol Goth facility. The total cost of the project is Rs42 million.
The solar installations are expected to generate 1.1 million electricity units annually, saving approximately Rs12 million per year and reducing carbon emissions by 212 tonnes, making the initiative both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
The solar project is also expected to contribute significantly to climate change mitigation, with estimated long-term savings reaching Rs49.7 million. Speaking to the media, Wahab said, “We are not just talking about problems — we are providing practical solutions. Where there is no electricity, we are ensuring a sustainable supply through solar energy.”
He added that water supply had been severely hindered by power outages, which were now being addressed through the installation of these solar-powered stations. He also announced that the Hub Canal project was expected to be inaugurated on August 14. Work was also in progress on water treatment schemes to ensure clean water access for every locality, he said.
He noted that rising electricity costs had burdened ordinary citizens and solar energy offered a viable alternative. Wahab reiterated that the Sindh government and local leadership were committed to public service and development initiatives were being implemented across Karachi without bias.