Karachi to Face Major Water Shortage After Dhabeji Breakdown

The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation has warned that the city could face a shortage of up to 100 million gallons per day after a significant power breakdown hit the Dhabeji Pumping Station early Sunday morning. The utility said repair work is underway and the system is expected to return to normal by Monday.

According to KWSC, the breakdown occurred in the second phase of the Dhabeji facility at 6:35am, disrupting operations at one of Karachi’s most important pumping stations. The sudden power suspension affected the 72-inch Line No. 5 and shut down four pumps, causing what the utility described as severe damage to the supply system.

The pumping station feeds several major areas of the city. Past disruptions at Dhabeji have impacted localities in the East and Central districts, including Nazimabad, New Karachi, Landhi and Korangi. Officials said a similar impact on supply is expected this time until full restoration is completed.

KWSC said power was restored to two pumps at 9am, allowing partial supply to resume. The remaining two pumps will be brought back online once emergency repair work on the affected pipeline is completed. The utility added that Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Ali Siddiqui has directed teams to work continuously to restore the system.

Technical teams are working on an emergency basis and using all available resources to complete the repairs, KWSC said. The utility expects the Dhabeji Pumping Station to become fully operational again on Monday, assuring residents that efforts are underway to minimise the shortfall and restore regular supply as soon as possible.