Pakistan: KWSC officials in hot water amid growing crisis due to water shortages
Karachi Water Crisis: Allegations Against KWSC Officials in Gulshan-e-Iqbal
In Karachi, Pakistan, officials from the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) are facing allegations of creating a water crisis in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Block 13 D-2. Residents have been deprived of water for extended periods, with some areas experiencing shortages for over a year, and others for up to two years.
Locals are forced to buy expensive water tankers or use contaminated underground water. Corrupt water board officials have avoided accountability, and the Sindh government's ineffective policies have stalled new water supply projects. Residents warn that unresolved issues could lead to disputes.
Block 13 D-2 residents report severe water shortages for the past eight years. Until 2016, they had limited access to water, but the supply suddenly stopped at the end of that year. Nabil Ahmed, an assistant executive engineer, inspected the pipeline and blamed iron rust for the damage. However, locals accuse Ahmed of intentionally damaging pipelines to sell illegal connections.
Despite complaints, Ahmed was not held accountable. In 2017, he oversaw a second pipeline installation, which also failed. Residents claim Ahmed, with support from Executive Engineer Wasif Farooqui, deliberately damaged pipelines to secure new contracts. This alleged cycle has allowed corrupt officials to demand bribes for water connections.
The ongoing water crisis highlights broader governance failures in Pakistan, where poor administration and neglect have left Karachi residents struggling with a crisis that shows no signs of resolution.
Doubts Revealed
Karachi
Karachi is a large city in Pakistan, similar to how Mumbai is a big city in India. It's known for being very busy and having lots of people.
Water Crisis
A water crisis means there is not enough clean water for people to use. This can make it hard for people to drink, cook, and clean.
KWSC
KWSC stands for Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation. It's a group responsible for providing water and managing sewage in Karachi.
Gulshan-e-Iqbal
Gulshan-e-Iqbal is a neighborhood in Karachi, like a part of a city where people live and work.
Block 13 D-2
Block 13 D-2 is a specific area within the Gulshan-e-Iqbal neighborhood, similar to a street or a small section of a neighborhood.
Water Tankers
Water tankers are large trucks that carry water to places where there is no water supply. People have to buy water from these trucks when there is a shortage.
Contaminated Water
Contaminated water is water that is dirty or has harmful things in it, making it unsafe to drink or use.
Illegal Connections
Illegal connections are unauthorized ways of getting water, like stealing water from the main supply without permission.
Bribes
Bribes are money or gifts given to someone to make them do something wrong or illegal, like ignoring a problem or breaking a rule.
Governance Failures
Governance failures mean that the people in charge are not doing their jobs well, leading to problems like the water crisis.
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