Maps
Magazine

TRADE & ECONOMY

Karachi Faces Major Water Shortage After Dhabeji Station Power Breakdown
Karachi suffers a 100MGD water shortfall as power outage at Dhabeji Pumping Station causes pipeline bursts. Repairs underway, but water woes persist.
ND
by News Desk
2025-01-20
Karachi Faces Major Water Shortage After Dhabeji Station Power Breakdown

Karachi experienced a significant water shortage of 100 million gallons per day (MGD) on Monday due to a sudden power outage at the Dhabeji Pumping Station, a critical water supply facility managed by the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC).

The disruption, caused by a power failure at 9:15 AM, led to the rupture of two major water pipelines. KWSC spokesperson Imran Rana stated, "A 72-inch PRCC line and a 72-inch MS line burst due to the outage." The power supply was restored by K-Electric at 10:45 AM, but the damage caused by reverse water flow pressure significantly impacted the city’s water supply.

Chief Engineer Zafar Palejo confirmed that alternative lines are maintaining a limited water supply. However, full restoration will take time: “The repair of line number 5 will be completed in 24 hours, while line number 1 will take four days.”

This disruption leaves Karachi with a daily shortfall of 100 MGD from its usual supply of 650 MGD. Affected areas are expected to face water shortages until the repairs are complete.

A K-Electric spokesperson, Ammar Muzaffar, stated, “Power supply to Dhabeji Pumping Station has been timely restored, and KE’s system remains stable.” Muzaffar also noted that major pumping stations, including Dhabeji, are exempt from load-shedding, and alternative power sources are used during emergencies.

The Dhabeji Pumping Station has faced repeated challenges over the years, including technical issues and maintenance delays. Earlier this month, Karachi endured a similar water shortfall due to annual maintenance at Dhabeji.

The city’s water supply infrastructure struggles to meet its population's demands, with Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani previously noting that half of Karachi’s residents rely on private water sources.

Frequent disruptions, including a major pipeline burst on University Road in December 2023, have caused acute shortages and urban flooding, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades.
Tagged:

WaterShortage

KarachiWaterCrisis

DhabejiPumpingStation

UrbanInfrastructure
Share News: