Murtaza Wahab orders gradual shutdown of hydrants, pledges doorstep water delivery through regulated pipelines
In a major policy overhaul, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has decided to gradually end the city’s long-standing water tanker and hydrant system, replacing it with a pipeline-based water supply network.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has formally instructed the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) to design a sustainable alternative that ensures water reaches residents directly through pipelines at their doorsteps.
The mayor announced that all seven water hydrants operating in the city will be eliminated in phases. Although these hydrants generate nearly Rs300 million in monthly revenue, Wahab stressed that public relief and transparency take priority over financial gains.
He clarified that hydrant contracts expired last year and confirmed that no new contracts for water tankers or hydrants will be issued. To manage Karachi’s chronic water shortage during the transition, water will be supplied to different areas on alternate days until long-term infrastructure upgrades are completed.
Calling the tanker system unsustainable, Wahab said reliance on tankers has caused financial burden, exploitation, and unreliable access for citizens. The move aims to improve fairness, reduce corruption, and provide a permanent solution to Karachi’s water crisis.
