Dhabeji shutdown to cut Karachi water by 130 million gallons

Dhabeji Shutdown to Cut Karachi Water Supply

Karachi's water problems were set to worsen on November 13, with a scheduled power shutdown and maintenance at the Dhabeji pumping station expected to cut the city's daily water supply by around 130 million gallons. Residents across several neighbourhoods braced for shortages.

Power Shutdown Details

According to a Water Corporation spokesperson, K-Electric announced a scheduled power suspension at the Dhabeji grid station from 10am to midnight on November 13 for its annual maintenance. The shutdown would make nine of the pumping station's 21 pumps inoperative, reducing Karachi's daily water supply from approximately 650 million gallons to 520 million gallons.

Affected Areas

The disruption was likely to affect residents of Landhi, Korangi, Malir, Shah Faisal, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Clifton, Saddar and Lyari, as well as parts of Jinnah, Chaneser, Nazimabad, Liaquatabad and North Karachi. Water supply to parts of Nazimabad and Gulberg Town would also be partially affected.

A 14-hour shutdown at Dhabeji Pumping Station on Nov 13, will result in an estimated 130 MGD shortfall in water supply. During the period, KW&SC will supply around 520 MGD against the daily requirement of 650 MGD, as nine of the station's 21 pumps remain non-operational.

Hydrants and Pump Restoration

The spokesperson said the Landhi and Sherpao hydrants would remain closed during the power shutdown.

Following the completion of K-Electric's maintenance work, six of the nine suspended pumps would be restored, bringing water supply back towards normal in most affected areas, except Landhi, Korangi, Malir and Shah Faisal.

Further Maintenance by Water Corporation

However, relief for residents of these four areas would remain limited as the Water Corporation would subsequently undertake its own annual maintenance, lasting another 22 hours. During this period, three pumps at Dhabeji would remain non-operational, resulting in partially disrupted supplies to the four localities.

The spokesperson said water distribution would be gradually restored once electricity supply resumed.

Advice for Residents

Meanwhile, the Water Corporation urged residents to store sufficient water in advance and use their existing reserves judiciously throughout the maintenance period.