The Karachi water and sewerage board has extended the operation against illegal hydrants after finding out more than reported numbers of illegal hydrants operating in Baldia Town and adjoining areas.
These hydrants are operating by stealing water from 33 inch main line. So far in three days, 95 illegal connections to 35 illegal hydrants have been disconnected and these 35 illegal hydrants have been demolished.
These hydrants were identified by newly-elected Member of Sindh Assembly Kamran Akhtar, who was present during the operation along with the KW&SB managing director and other concerned staff. These illegal hydrants were leaching the supply lines dry with their illegal connections leaving the area residents of Baldia Town and adjoining areas with no substantial water supply.
The managing director in the wise guidance of elected representatives ordered the grand operation against illegal hydrants in these areas. So far by third day of operation, 95 illegal connections ranging from 3-8 inch diameter have been shutdown while 35 hydrants have been demolished and equipment has also been confiscated.
During the operation, it was found that there were much more illegal hydrants operating in the city than reported by citizens and elected representatives, therefore the operation would continue on Monday, June 2.
During the operation water motors, supply pumps and other machinery was confiscated before bringing down the buildings with the help of heavy machinery. Moreover, the chief engineers would launch FIRs of these illegal hydrants at the concerned police station.
Thanking MPA Kamran Akhtar for helping KW&SB, the MD stated that KW&SB would provide water to all the residents of Karachi with the help of newly-elected public representatives. He also wrote a letter to the DIG west to thank him on his cooperation in bringing down these 35 illegal hydrants.
He said these hydrants were stealing millions of gallons of supply from the residents of these areas and KW&SB. Furthermore, despite several operations against the water mafia they always managed to start their operations again. This did not only caused the citizens to suffer but also caused KW&SB heavy amounts in revenue.
Praising SSP Shah Jahan, he said if police keeps on displaying such devotion to public service they can eliminate all illegal hydrants in the city. He hoped that area police would not let these hydrants start their illegal operations again.