KWSC demands Rs35m from BRT contractor for water line damage

The restoration of the 84-inch-diameter main water line damaged during the construction of the Red Line bus rapid transit (BRT) track on University Road has been successfully completed, according to the Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation (KWSC).

The water utility said that after three days of phased repair work, the line was recharged, and water supply to the affected areas, including those served by Dhabeji, was restored. KWSC CEO Syed Salahuddin Ahmed has written to the BRT project management, claiming damages caused by the contractor during the construction of the Red Line BRT track.

Ahmed mentioned in the letter that the BRT management had been informed in advance about the main line’s specifications, and the design of water courses before the project commenced. On November 28, the 84-inch-diameter siphon, crossing the alignment of the Red Line project on University Road, ruptured at two spots during pile work for transom activities. The KWSB said the rupture primarily resulted from the negligent actions of the BRT contractor, who failed to ensure seamless coordination during the piling work.

Reports suggest that additional pipeline bursts occurred, further escalating the crisis. The utility said that the total cost of repairs, recovery efforts, and water dispatch from hydrants and other sources amounts to Rs35 million. The KWSC has requested the BRT contractor to deposit this amount to cover the damages as part of the ongoing project work. It also urged the BRT management to exercise extreme caution, and ensure proper coordination during future piling activities.

‘Supply normal’

The KWSC said water supply across the city continues without disruption as it has been fully restored in all areas. It said in a press statement that Karachi currently requires 1,200 mgd, but the system is supplying only 650 mgd.

It refuted claims that pipeline water is diverted to water tankers. The utility said that of the 650 mgd, only 15 to 18 mgd is provided through government hydrants to the public at subsidised rates.

The KWSC deemed halting water tanker operations illegal and unethical, emphasising that tankers serve critical needs, including supplying water to mosques, Imambargahs, hospitals, schools, government institutions and community water tanks.

It condemned the spread of false rumours designed to create public unrest, advised against taking the law into one’s own hands, and warned taking strict action against anyone challenging the authority of the state or its institutions.

It pointed out that vandalising government property during protests is illegal and unacceptable. It confirmed sending footage of protesters damaging property to state institutions for legal action, and urged all deputy commissioners and SSPs to maintain law and order.