The Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) has successfully replaced the 60-year-old Rising Main Line 5, a critical conduit transporting water from Dhabeji to Karachi. This project marks a significant milestone in the rehabilitation of the city's aging water infrastructure, according to Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab.
Mayor Highlights Infrastructure Upgrade
Mayor Wahab stated that the decades-old water system is being upgraded to meet the growing demands of the city. He emphasized that KWSC is rapidly advancing the phased rehabilitation and modernization of the aging water infrastructure to ensure improved, efficient, and uninterrupted water supply to citizens.
Historical Context and Challenges
According to a KWSC spokesperson, the original line was laid in 1966 and had deteriorated significantly over time. It suffered from severe disrepair, multiple leakages, and technical faults. Frequent power outages and breakdowns caused pressure surges that repeatedly damaged the line, severely impacting the city's water supply system.
The spokesperson added that recurring failures of the old, dilapidated line had disrupted water transmission. Its complete replacement has now made the system more stable, efficient, and reliable. The project's completion is expected to significantly reduce water losses and technical breakdowns while markedly improving the overall performance of the city's water supply network.
Part of Larger Improvement Program
The spokesperson noted that this project is a key milestone under the Karachi Water & Sewerage Improvement Program, supported by the World Bank and other development partners. This initiative underscores the commitment to upgrading Karachi's water infrastructure for long-term sustainability.
