KARACHI:

A major power breakdown at the Dhabeji Pumping Station has triggered a severe water crisis in Karachi, after a 72-inch diameter main supply line burst once again, wasting millions of gallons of water and disrupting supply to vast parts of the city.

According to officials of the Water Corporation, the latest breakdown occurred between Sunday and Monday night, when a sudden electricity failure forced the shutdown of four pumps at the K-III Pump House and Phase-II system. The abrupt halt in operations caused immense pressure fluctuations in the system, leading to the rupture of the critical 72-inch pipeline.

As a result, a large volume of water flooded surrounding areas, while millions of gallons were lost before the flow could be contained. Repair work was initiated immediately, with technical teams working around the clock to restore the damaged infrastructure.

Officials said the recurring power failures at Dhabeji Pumping Station have become a matter of serious concern, repeatedly crippling Karachi’s already strained water supply network. They urged K-Electric to take urgent and responsible measures to ensure uninterrupted power supply to critical civic infrastructure, warning that continued negligence could deepen the city’s water woes.

The disruption has affected water supply in several major localities, including Korangi, Landhi, Shah Faisal Colony, Malir, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, PIB Colony, the Old City Area, and multiple neighbourhoods in District Central. Residents in these areas are likely to face acute shortages over the next 24 to 48 hours.

Authorities have advised citizens to use water sparingly during this period and make necessary arrangements until normal supply resumes. Tanker demand is also expected to surge as households scramble to cope with the shortage.

Water Corporation sources indicated that repair work on the damaged pipeline is expected to be completed within 24 hours, while full restoration of supply may take longer due to the need to gradually stabilise pressure in the system.

If repair operations proceed as planned, partial restoration could begin by Tuesday night, with normal water supply expected to resume by Wednesday morning. However, officials cautioned that any further technical complications or additional power interruptions could delay recovery efforts.

The repeated breakdowns at the Dhabeji Pumping Station have once again exposed vulnerabilities in Karachi’s essential services infrastructure, raising urgent questions about maintenance, coordination, and contingency planning among key service providers.