The Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KW&SB) has confirmed that its hydrant services are fully operational, refuting rumours of a water crisis in the city.
Shahbaz Bashir, the Focal Person for the Hydrants Cell, labelled the news of service suspension as baseless and emphasized that all KWSB hydrants actively supply water to residents.
Bashir observed that water tanker operators have recently been cautious as their vehicles have faced targeting during protests related to traffic accidents involving large transports. This has led to fewer tankers delivering water, though the hydrant service remains uninterrupted.
Recent incidents highlight the tension in the area. Just yesterday, a tragic traffic accident in Manghopir involving a water tanker resulted in the death of 32-year-old motorcyclist Mohammed Daniyal, who was en route to work.
The Dumper and Oil Tankers Association held a sit-in on the National Highway in response to vehicle-related violence to protest the arson of vehicles. The association’s president, Liaquat Mehsud, urged legal action against the vehicles involved in accidents, highlighting a court order that permits dumpers to enter the city.
Read: Karachi Water Crisis Ends with Successful Pipeline Repair on University Road
The unrest extended today with three cargo vehicles and a water tanker being set ablaze by unidentified persons in Karachi’s neighbourhoods of Landhi, Korangi, Al-Karam, and Surjani Town. In the wake of these incidents, police have detained 10 individuals linked to the recent spate of vehicle burnings.
This year has seen a disturbing trend in traffic-related fatalities, with 102 citizens losing their lives in the last 42 days alone. Additionally, this morning witnessed the arson of two trucks and a trailer by unknown assailants, further escalating concerns over vehicle safety and public unrest in Karachi.
