Dhabeji | Pakistan

A forced power shutdown by K-Electric at the Dhabeji pumping station has severely disrupted water supply across Karachi, leaving several areas facing shortages.

Water supply to multiple areas of Karachi will remain disrupted today (Thursday) as the Dhabeji substation undergoes scheduled annual maintenance, raising the possibility of a shortfall of nearly 100 million gallons.

Karachi could face a shortfall of 100 million gallons of water per day (MGD) due to a power breakdown at the Dhabeji Pumping Station, which is expected to be fully repaired by tomorrow, the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) said on Sunday. The Dhabeji Pumping Station is a key pumping station operated by KWSC, Karachi’s sole water utility, that serves the city’s major areas. Past breakdowns at the facility have impacted supply to the East and Central districts, including areas like Nazimabad, New Karachi, Landhi and Korangi. In a statement today, a KWSC spokesperson said the “major” power breakdown in the second phase of the Dhabeji station was reported at 6:35am. “Due to the sudden power suspension, 72-inch line No. 5 has been affected, while four pumps of the phase shut down,” a later statement by the KWSC said, adding that the issue “severely damaged” the water supply system. “According to initial estimates, the city could face a shortage of 100 million gallons of water due to the pumps’ shutdow...