Taps run dry in Karachi's Clifton, Defence as official tanker service faces delays

Karachi's Clifton and Defence districts, which depend on water tankers, are struggling to obtain supplies from the Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC) due to delays caused by a severe shortage of water. During a recent meeting between CBC and the Clifton Defence Community (CDC), the dire water shortage was discussed, along with a Rs14 billion project to lay a new waterline from Dumlottee to DHA, and pending tanker supply applications.

The residents, who attended the meeting, complained that they are not receiving water despite being issued tokens, as the tanker service is two to three months behind schedule.

Residents suggested diverting Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation tankers to DHA to address the backlog, as they are available at a lower price and can be booked a few days in advance. CBC officials attributed the backlog in bowser supply to the water shortage. To gather more information about the new dedicated waterline project, CDC President Abdur Rehman asked CBC officials, including Secretary Sajjad Nazir and Chief Cantonment Engineer Abdul Rahim Shaikh, about its progress.

They explained that the pipeline's construction, scheduled to be completed within a year, has already begun. The pipeline will transport unfiltered water from Dumlottee, which will then be purified before being supplied to residents through their lines.

Residents also expressed a desire to improve the existing water distribution system before the completion of the new project. CBC officials denied any instances of private tankers filling up from CBC hydrants, urging residents to send pictures of such occurrences for investigation and necessary action. CBC Secretary Nazir told Dawn that the organization prioritized residents who showed their tokens during the meeting and granted them assistance on the same day.