Pipeline leak near KU causes water shortage in city

An 84-inch-diameter water supply line near the University of Karachi (KU) leaked on Tuesday, inundating a large area of the university and prompting swift emergency action by the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC).

According to a press statement from the corporation, the affected pipeline, identified as Siphon No 19, began leaking and may cause partial disruption of the water supply to various areas of Karachi.

The corporation’s spokesperson stated that KWSC Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Ali Siddiqui noticed the situation and directed relevant teams to begin repair work immediately. To ensure the safety of repair crews and facilitate efficient operations, water pressure in the affected pipeline was temporarily reduced. Full-scale repair activities had already commenced and would continue around the clock.

The spokesperson added that the repair was expected to be completed within 96 hours. However, during this period, the water supply to different parts of Karachi would be partially suspended. The affected neighbourhoods include Chanesar Town, Jinnah Town, Liaquatabad, Nazimabad, Pak Colony, Golimar, Shershah, Old City Area, Landhi, Korangi, and PAF Base Masroor. Karachi typically received a total daily water supply of 650 million gallons per day (MGD), but due to the repair work, the city would face a temporary shortage of 250 MGD. Despite this, 400MGD would continue to be supplied as usual.