Water scarcity is one of Karachi’s most pressing issues, a dilemma that has only intensified over the decades despite numerous development plans and promises. The city’s current water supply, ranging from 11 to 15 million gallons per day, is a mere fraction of the burgeoning demand. In the first stage of development, Karachi requires at least 70 million gallons per day, with future projections skyrocketing to an overwhelming 270 million gallons per day.
Karachi’s water supply infrastructure, like that of many Eastern cities, is outdated, expensive and inefficient. The existing technology is not only wasteful but also leaves the city vulnerable to system failures. The ubiquitous presence of water tankers under the influence of the so-called tanker mafias cannot be ignored. These groups have thrived in the vacuum left by the government’s inability to provide a consistent water supply, turning a public necessity into a lucrative, exploitative enterprise. The tanker mafias have created a parallel water economy, profiting immensely from the city’s water woes. They control access to water, often diverting supplies meant for public distribution and selling it at exorbitant prices.
To combat this crisis, a multidimensional approach is necessary. First and foremost, there must be a comprehensive overhaul of the water supply infrastructure with an emphasis on modern, efficient technologies that minimise waste and ensure equitable distribution. Simultaneously, the government must take decisive action against the tanker mafias, dismantling their networks and restoring control over the city’s water resources. While the challenges are immense, the solutions are within reach if there is a collective will to prioritise the city’s water security. Failure to do so will not only exacerbate the current crisis but also jeopardise the city’s future as a liveable and thriving metropolis.
