KARACHI: Mayor Karachi and Chairman Water Corporation, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, on Monday, said that another important step has been taken to improve water supply in the city.
Speaking at the inauguration of the upgradation and new system of the LSR and CI-60 water pumping stations in Jinnah Town, District East, the Mayor regretted that in the past, these pumping stations were neglected, due to which water could not reach residents despite the availability of water in the city.
Due to lack of pumping and a faulty system, distribution remained affected. With the installation of new pumps, pumping has significantly increased in the areas of Garden, Mithadar and Kharadar, and reports have been received that in some places water has reached up to twelve feet.
The Mayor said that water is a basic necessity and is directly linked to the life of the common man. Therefore, the water issue should not be politicized but addressed through collective efforts.
He appreciated the performance of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation, stating that the institution is actively engaged in resolving the city’s problems and taking practical steps to ensure fair distribution of water.
He said that at the LSR and CI-60 pumping stations, modern high-capacity pumps have been installed in place of 18 to 20-year-old low-capacity pumps. Two new 220-horsepower pumps have been installed at LSR, while three modern 215-horsepower motors have been installed at CI-60. In addition, the installation of a 500-KVA standby generator at LSR has further strengthened the system.
These measures will make it possible to supply an additional 4 to 5 million gallons of water daily, while both projects together will provide 4 to 5 MGD of water to the city.
He said the capacity of the CI-60 pumping station has been increased from 6.3 MGD to 8.5 MGD, and LSR from 7.8 MGD to 9.3 MGD, which will directly benefit residents of Saddar, Jinnah, Chanesar, Keamari, Mithadar, Kharadar, Garden East and Soldier Bazaar, as well as the Old City area.
Mayor Karachi said providing relief to citizens before Ramadan was their priority, and the work was completed on time through proper utilization of resources. He added that the LSR pumping station was constructed in 1942 during the British era to supply water coming through a 33-inch line to different areas of the city, but it remained neglected for a long time.
He said the new system will benefit residents of Jinnah Town, Gulshan Town, Chanesar, Mauripur, Keamari and the Old City area, while millions of gallons of additional water will be pumped daily. Water supply from CI-60 to Mauripur and the Old City area will improve, while supply from LSR to various towns will become more stable.
The Mayor said work is also ongoing on the K-III project and efforts are being made to complete it by May 31 so that the people of Lyari can benefit from it. Similarly, steps are being taken to improve water supply in Mominabad, Manghopir, Malir and Steel Town, and more projects will be completed during Ramadan.
He urged K-Electric to improve its performance, as power breakdowns affect the water supply system and damage pumping infrastructure. He added that steps are also being taken to solarize pumping stations, which require substantial funding.
The Mayor said the focus should be on development work instead of politics of criticism.
Pointing to Jamaat-e-Islami and particularly its Ameer, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, he said they should also work together for the city’s improvement. Instead of protests and criticism, practical steps should be taken and cooperation extended in resolving civic issues including water.
Deputy Mayor Karachi Salman Abdullah Murad, Parliamentary Leader in KMC City Council Karamullah Waqasi, Deputy Parliamentary Leader Dil Muhammad, CEO Water Corporation Ahmed Ali Siddiqui, COO Engineer Asadullah Khan, elected representatives and other officials were also present.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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