'Ageing pipes caused KU deluge'
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) Engineer Asadullah Khan released a detailed video statement addressing the causes and repair measures related to the burst water lines at Siphon 19 near the University of Karachi.
He explained that the water lines in the area are several decades old, with one installed in 1956 and the other in 1971 - making them 69 and 54 years old, respectively. Their designated lifespans have long since expired. He stated that Siphon 19, located near Karachi University, has two 84-inch diameter PRCC (Pre-stressed Reinforced Concrete Cylinder) pipelines, one of which is 16,000 feet (approximately five kilometres) long. Siphon 19 begins at Saadi Town and extends to University Road.
The COO noted that the U-shaped pipelines at the siphon increase water pressure significantly. Water flowing through these U-shaped sections generates much more pressure compared to straight conduit lines. As a result, the old and weakened pipes are unable to withstand the added pressure, causing them to burst.
He clarified that the pipelines running from Dhabeji to Karachi are straight conduits and do not experience this increased pressure, which is why they remain intact. He further shared that the damaged PRCC line at Siphon 19 is being replaced with a mild steel (MS) pipe. To ensure durability, four tons of molten lead, heated to 300°C, will be poured on both ends of the pipe. The process is called lead pouring. He expressed hope that the repair work would be completed by Saturday evening, after which the water supply was expected to return to normal. He apologised to citizens for the inconvenience.
Left parched
Meanwhile, experts claimed that repairs of the seven-foot wide pipeline, initially expected by Saturday, were now likely to continue until Sunday. They said that even if, by any chance, KWSC manages to complete the repair work by Sunday an additional three-day period would be required for normalization of the water supply to the city.
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Express Tribune
03-05-2025
- Express Tribune
'Ageing pipes caused KU deluge'
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) Engineer Asadullah Khan released a detailed video statement addressing the causes and repair measures related to the burst water lines at Siphon 19 near the University of Karachi. He explained that the water lines in the area are several decades old, with one installed in 1956 and the other in 1971 - making them 69 and 54 years old, respectively. Their designated lifespans have long since expired. He stated that Siphon 19, located near Karachi University, has two 84-inch diameter PRCC (Pre-stressed Reinforced Concrete Cylinder) pipelines, one of which is 16,000 feet (approximately five kilometres) long. Siphon 19 begins at Saadi Town and extends to University Road. The COO noted that the U-shaped pipelines at the siphon increase water pressure significantly. Water flowing through these U-shaped sections generates much more pressure compared to straight conduit lines. As a result, the old and weakened pipes are unable to withstand the added pressure, causing them to burst. He clarified that the pipelines running from Dhabeji to Karachi are straight conduits and do not experience this increased pressure, which is why they remain intact. He further shared that the damaged PRCC line at Siphon 19 is being replaced with a mild steel (MS) pipe. To ensure durability, four tons of molten lead, heated to 300°C, will be poured on both ends of the pipe. The process is called lead pouring. He expressed hope that the repair work would be completed by Saturday evening, after which the water supply was expected to return to normal. He apologised to citizens for the inconvenience. Left parched Meanwhile, experts claimed that repairs of the seven-foot wide pipeline, initially expected by Saturday, were now likely to continue until Sunday. They said that even if, by any chance, KWSC manages to complete the repair work by Sunday an additional three-day period would be required for normalization of the water supply to the city.
Express Tribune
05-01-2025
- Express Tribune
Karachi's vanishing green canopy
Karachi, once celebrated for its sprawling tree-lined avenues, is rapidly transforming into a concrete jungle. The city's charm was defined by the lush greenery that adorned its roadsides, providing shade and developing a sense of harmony with nature. However, the advent of large-scale development projects, such as the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), has resulted in the alarming sacrifice of this natural beauty. One of the most distressing consequences of this urban expansion is the indiscriminate felling of trees. A prime example is University Road, particularly the stretch from NIPA to the University of Karachi, which was once shaded by dense greenery. Today, this vibrant canopy is gone, leaving the road exposed to the relentless sun and worsening environmental conditions. The loss of greenery has far-reaching environmental consequences. Trees are essential for combating air pollution, mitigating urban heat and providing habitats for birds and other wildlife. Their removal exacerbates Karachi's already deteriorating air quality and contributes to rising urban temperatures. To address this crisis, urgent measures are needed to restore the city's green balance. Tree plantation efforts must be prioritised along major roads, particularly in areas affected by development projects. For every tree removed, an equivalent number — or ideally more — must be planted. Native and fast-growing tree species should be chosen to ensure rapid and sustainable greening. Public awareness campaigns are equally critical. Karachi's residents must understand the importance of urban forestry and be encouraged to actively participate in tree plantation drives. Schools, universities and community organisations have a vital role to play in nurturing a culture of environmental responsibility. The time to act is now. Karachi's transformation into a concrete jungle can be reversed if collective efforts are made to protect and restore its natural heritage. By prioritising urban forestry and sustainable development, we can ensure that Karachi retains its identity as a vibrant, livable city for generations to come. Dr Tehmina Abbas , Dr Intikhab Ulfat Karachi
Express Tribune
16-12-2024
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No relief in sight for parched city
KARACHI: Water supply will be disrupted for three days starting Monday, as repair work is scheduled on a seven-foot diameter water line on University Road. The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) spokesperson confirmed that the repair work on the key pipeline will take up to 72 hours, Express News reported. The corporation is aiming to restore water supply by Wednesday city receives 650 million gallons of water daily, but the repair work will cause a shortfall of 150 million gallons, with 500 million gallons continuing as usual. The repair will affect several areas, including Lyari, Clifton, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Jamshed Town, and Old City. However, the parallel pipelines will continue to supply water, ensuring minimal disruption. KWSC CEO visited University Road to inspect the line, ensuring the work proceeds efficiently. The officials have been instructed to expedite repairs, with work continuing round the clock to meet the deadline. Residents are urged to store water in advance and use it wisely during the disruption to avoid any inconvenience. Talking to The Express Tribune in an exclusive conversation, he said that the Red Line construction has significantly affected KWSC's main pipelines. He said that despite providing comprehensive maps and information to Trans Karachi, the pipelines have been repeatedly damaged at several points during construction; he said and added that the main pipeline was damaged during piling work for the BRT project. Salahuddin has demanded Trans Karachi to cover the repair costs and associated damages. He went on to say that the repair work is being carried out permanently rather than temporarily to ensure that future operations of the BRT system do not face the similar issues. The MD also noted that when the new leak was discovered, water pressure was reduced, which leads to reduced supply to various areas and neighborhoods of the city. He assured that the repair work would be completed by Wednesday night, with water supply scheduled to be resumed from Thursday afternoon. He urged the citizens to use water cautiously during this period. Few days ago, The Express Tribune had reported that water crisis has returned to haunt residents in most neighbourhoods of the metropolitan city as the 84-inch water pipeline, which was damaged during development works and repaired only eight days ago, has started leaking again. KWSC started fresh efforts to ensure water supply to the city of nearly three million people. A KWSC meeting has been called on Thursday which will decide on whether the repair work will involve shutting off the water temporarily or maintaining supply. The initial problem began on Dec 3, when the pipeline ruptured at two locations due to the ongoing Red Line construction, causing a major disruption to water supply.
