Non-Availability of Water in Gulshan-e-Maymar : Unresolved Issue

Introduction

Water is a basic human necessity, yet residents of Gulshan-e-Maymar, one of Karachi’s rapidly expanding residential areas, are facing a severe and persistent shortage of clean water. Despite being a planned housing society, the non-availability of regular water supply has become a daily struggle, affecting households, businesses, and overall quality of life.

Current Situation

For months—and in some areas, years—residents of all sectors of Gulshan-e-Maymar have reported:

• No supply of line water for weeks at a time
• Low pressure when water is supplied
• Dependence on private water tankers
• Boring inside Home
• Excessive costs for purchasing water

Many families now rely entirely on tankers, paying thousands of rupees monthly just to meet basic household needs such as drinking, cooking, and sanitation.

Causes of the Water Shortage

Several factors contribute to the non-availability of water in Gulshan-e-Maymar:

1. Inadequate Infrastructure
   The existing water supply network is insufficient for the rapidly growing population. New blocks and buildings have been developed without proportional expansion of water infrastructure.
2. Insufficient Allocation from K-IV and KWSC
   The water supplied by Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) does not meet the area’s demand, resulting in irregular distribution.
3. Illegal Connections and Line Losses
   Unauthorized water connections and leakages further reduce the amount of water reaching legitimate consumers.
4. Non-Taking Action for removal of Water Suction
   Unauthorized installation of heavy water suction pump inside house.
5. Water Tanker Mafia
   Residents frequently allege that the tanker business benefits from artificial shortages, forcing people to buy water at inflated prices.

Impact on Residents

The water crisis has far-reaching consequences:

• Financial Burden: Low- and middle-income families struggle to afford tanker water.
• Installation of Water Suction Pump: It also increase electricity bill.
• Health Risks: Use of unverified tanker water raises concerns about contamination and disease.
• Domestic Hardship: Daily routines are disrupted, particularly affecting women, children, and elderly residents.
• Mental Stress: Continuous uncertainty over water availability causes anxiety and frustration.

Educational institutions, mosques, and small businesses in the area are also adversely affected.

Community Response

Residents of Gulshan-e-Maymar have repeatedly raised their concerns through:

• Complaint to Gulshan-e-Maymar Town Hall
• Complaints to KWSC
• Appeals to local government representatives
• Social media campaigns and peaceful protests

Despite these efforts, long-term solutions remain absent, and temporary measures have failed to resolve the issue sustainably.

Required Solutions

To address the water shortage effectively, the following steps are urgently needed:

1. Improvement of Water Supply Infrastructure
   Expansion and upgrading of pipelines to match population growth.
2. Transparent Water Distribution System
   Regular schedules and public disclosure of water supply data.
3. Strict Action Against Illegal Connections
   Monitoring and enforcement to prevent theft and losses.
4. Get removed Sunction pump from all residential house.
   Monitoring and enforcement to prevent usage of Suction Pump from all houses.
5. Installation of new under ground Pipe lines.
   Removal of old pipe lines and installation of new underground pipe lines.
6. Regulation of Water Tankers
   Price controls and quality checks to protect residents.
7. Completion and Effective Utilization of K-IV Project
   Ensuring Karachi’s long-term water needs are met fairly.

Conclusion

The non-availability of water in Gulshan-e-Maymar is not merely an inconvenience—it is a serious civic failure that demands immediate attention. Access to clean water is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Authorities must act decisively to restore regular water supply and ensure that residents of Gulshan-e-Maymar can live with dignity, health, and peace of mind.

Until sustainable solutions are implemented, the water crisis will continue to undermine the promise of planned urban living in Karachi.

Author: Syed Haseeb