Karachi, Nov 20: Chairman Water Corporation and Mayor Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, inaugurated Karachi Water Corporation’s first-ever police station, newly added suction and jetting machines, and a dedicated charging station for electric vehicles on Thursday.
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Speaking at the ceremony held at the Water & Sewerage Corporation Headquarters, the mayor said the city administration—aligned with the Pakistan Peoples Party’s manifesto—is advancing three major initiatives focused on improving Karachi’s urban infrastructure. He added that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had laid out a clear development vision centered on citizen engagement and citywide harmony.
Under the Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project (KWSSIP), the city’s sewerage system is being upgraded at a cost of Rs 630 million. Project Director Usman Moazzam handed over 20 new suction and jetting vehicles, raising the fleet from 122 to 142, significantly improving the mechanical cleaning capacity, especially during the monsoon season.
Three modern service centers are being set up at Karsaz, Sakhi Hassan, and SITE Industrial Area/Haroonabad, with the Haroonabad Customer Center already complete. Mayor Wahab said these centers, along with new decentralized parking zones for vehicles, will enable faster response times and reduce fuel costs.
A major parking zone for 25 machines is underway in Haroonabad to promptly address issues in District West and Keamari, while Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad has identified a similar zone for Malir. Additional parking zones are being established near Lyari and Mauripur to ensure timely service for Old City Area, Clifton, and adjoining neighborhoods.
First Police Station for Water Corporation
Mayor Wahab termed the inauguration of the corporation’s first police station a “historic milestone,” saying it will help tackle widespread water theft more effectively. Previously, all anti-theft operations required assistance from external police stations, causing delays.
The new facility will have its own dedicated staff, and the Anti-Theft Cell will operate independently. A special tribunal has also been established under the new law, with judges appointed by the government in consultation with the Chief Justice. He said the tribunal will become functional within weeks and will expedite cases related to water theft.
Electric Vehicle Charging Station & Green Initiatives
Highlighting environmental priorities, Mayor Wahab said that Karachi is moving toward wider adoption of electric vehicles. After the success of KMC’s electric-bike initiative, the Water Corporation has now established its own EV charging station for employees. The government is working on expanding public EV charging infrastructure across the city.
K-IV Project and Water Supply Improvements
He noted significant progress on K-IV Phase I, including a 2.7 km pipeline from Sir Syed University to Hassan Square, using newly installed 96-inch diameter pipelines. The work is expected to finish before December 31, reducing major leakages on University Road.
Old pumps at LSR are also being replaced, which will add 40–50 million gallons per day to the water supply. Areas expected to benefit include Lyari, Jamshed Road, Old City Area, Dhoraji, and Gulshan-e-Iqbal.
Revenue, Encroachments & Governance
Mayor Wahab said that while technical works have caused temporary inconvenience, these projects will bring long-term benefits to millions of residents. Addressing recent water shortages, he attributed them to electricity breakdowns and technical issues at Dhabeji but assured that emergency measures are underway.
He also emphasized strict action against encroachments, stating that development cannot progress without transparency and rule of law. A new mechanism is being designed to make anti-encroachment operations more transparent and effective. Any staff member found involved in wrongdoing will face strict action, he warned.
Clarifying recent concerns, he stated that KMC has not collected taxes from cantonment board areas, and an earlier technical error has been corrected. Within KMC jurisdiction, KE transferred Rs 373 million in municipal utility charges for October, of which Rs 90 million were used to pay electricity bills. He reaffirmed that public funds are a trust and will be used solely for improving Karachi’s neighborhoods and streets.
