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(Il)legaly yours
Need to fill an empty tank? A suction pump can help you make the most out of inconsistent water supply
By Ahmed Yusuf
Suction pumps have become a popular commodity for many residents of Karachi, as many look towards alternative sources to make use of the often inconsistent water supply in the city. Talking to Kolachi, a vendor of suction pumps, Shahzad Azeem said: "Suction pumps have become a need for many people. Often, you will see two different types installed in many homes. A suction pump essentially sucks water from the main water line into the underground water tank of your house, while the other pump is used to transport water from the underground tank to the overhead tanks, usually installed on rooftops".  

Water scarcity in Karachi has long been on the agenda and is referred to as one of the biggest challenges for the mega city. Waqar Bhatti explores the issue of meeting artifical water shortage in Karachi

Living along the most developed coastline of the country, common logic dictates that Karachi should ostensibly not be facing a water crisis, considering that factories utilise all their supply, and households have enough water left for people to wash their cars or even grow their own vegetables. In reality, this reasoning does not hold true.

A population of about 16 million people in Karachi is supplied with water primarily through the Gujjo and Hub canals. However a deficit of water supply exists and is estimated to be about 100 million gallons per day (MGD). According to statistics from the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB), Karachi's water supply currently stands at 547 MGD in contrast to a demand of 680 MGD. Other experts claim that the supply of water to Karachi is 650 MGD while demand stands at more than 750 MGD.

The supply deficit of water begs the question: how do citizens manage to fulfil the supply deficit of water for their common needs?

The answer lies in water tankers – which many perceive as the only solution to the city's water problems. As the government is unable to keep the water infrastructure in adequate condition, water tankers in Karachi are high in demand, catering to thousands of people, hundreds of industrial units, hotels, service stations, and commercial ventures. It is estimated that in Karachi, water tankers make over 20,000 rounds every day. In addition, there are hundreds of tank-mounted vans and donkey carts supplying millions of gallons of water across the city to domestic users, industrial units, hotels, and other businesses where water is required in abundance. 

The water supply through tankers, many believe, will never end. In the absence of a proper system through pipelines, most remain indifferent of water wastage. As a result, people do not conserve or better manage the water they receive through tankers. As a matter of fact, since these tankers are just a call away and more efficient, citizens do not bother questioning their source and are willing to pay a high price for a better service provided at their doorstep.

Although KWSB officials claim that only three per cent of the city's areas use the tanker service, reality is different. "In a mega city like Karachi, only up to five percent of total water is supplied through tankers in areas where pipelines don't exist or where there is temporary need for water," claim officials. However, Kolachi learnt that 60 per cent of the areas that receive water through tankers already have water pipelines.

There are currently a dozen 'official' water hydrants being managed by town administrations, all of which were retrieved from the Rangers a few months ago. In addition, there are also hundreds of illegal hydrants functioning in the city, which officials at the KWSB are aware of, but choose to look to the other way, it has reliably been learnt.  The majority of such illegal hydrants are situated in the areas of Manghopir, Baldia, SITE, Orangi Town, and adjacent areas. "It is impossible for these hydrants to exist without the consent of the KWSB," confided a KWSB official, requesting anonymity.   

The official blamed the department's "corrupt" officials for citizens' preference for the tanker system.  "There is a large industrial unit in Federal B Area industrial area where one can see a queue of water tankers, despite the fact that they have a proper water connection. They are compelled to get water through tankers, because their pipelines do not supply them with sufficient water. Another factor is that mill owners also want to save on commercial water charges."

Gulistan-e-Jauhar is another area where most apartments opt for tankers even though they receive water through the KWSB pipelines. Residents claim that they are compelled to rely on tankers since distribution of water is unequal. "There are cases where one of two adjacent buildings receive water from the pipeline, while residents of the other are compelled to use tankers," complains a resident. 

It is believed, however, that the tanker service is beneficial to KWSB officials, who extract favours from influentials such as ministers, bureaucrats, and politicians in return for a steady supply of water at no cost. A source from the KWSB told Kolachi: "Since these influential personalities are provided with water tankers free of charge, which the KWSB officials manage by pressurising the hydrant and tanker owners, no action is taken either against the water thieves or corrupt KWSB officials. Only those citizens who purchase water tankers at exorbitant rates suffer." 

Due to this racket, KWSB recovers just 25 per cent of water charges from its customers, and lacks indigenous resources required to lay new pipelines and prevent leakages. 

When questioned about the installation of water meters to gauge consumption of each household, former managing director KWSB, Suleman Chandio, said: "The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has to provide money for the installation of meters on connections for domestic, commercial and industrial consumers," further adding that "talks with the ADB are under way." 

There are other impediments in the supply of water. Several natural rainwater drains have bisected the Hub canal that supplies Karachi with water from the Hub Dam. Built-in pipes have been constructed along the canal that suck water in and redistribute to farm houses, poultry farms and squatter settlements on the outskirts of the city, from where the canal initiates to the Northern Bypass area. Bridges have been built to maintain the continuity of water in the canal in the presence of rainwater drains, but this is not as effective as it should be – water from the canal often seeps into rainwater drains, which flow all year round as a result, rain or no rain.

Similarly, the Gujjo Canal supplies Karachi with water from the Kinjhar Lake. This particular canal is 150 kilometers long, but only 30 kilometers of it is cemented. A large portion of the water is absorbed into the soil, and lost. Scores of fields along the Gujjo canal, as well as agricultural and recreational farms are cultivated by the water from the canal. Illegal factories, too, use the same freshwater for their goods. So do residential colonies nearby, leading experts to believe that nearly 35 to 40 percent of water being supplied to Karachi either leaks away unnecessarily, or is stolen.  

Background interviews with other KWSB officials suggest that corruption, mismanagement and political intervention have pushed the organisation towards a brink of collapse.  "What the KWSB needs right now is effective administrative and financial management, an end to political interference into its affairs, tight monetary control, and the elimination of certain highly corrupt elements," asserts an official. Until that happens, water will continue to be 'stolen' before it reaches the pipelines as has been happening for several years now.

-- The News Photos by Athar Khan & Naqeeb-ur-Rehman

With about half of the population of Sindh residing in urban areas, pressure on a mega city like Karachi has doubled. Although the water supply system by the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) is in place, experts warn that the total number of people without adequate water supply is increasing. Kolachi spoke to one such expert, Simi Kamal, at length about urban water challenges and the significance of the Karachi Water Partnership (KWP). The KWP is linked to the concept of Global Water Partnership – the world's leading stakeholder's forum on water – and comprises seven members from across the world. Simi Kamal is one of them.

Tell us a bit about the Karachi Water Partnership and its importance in an urban city like Karachi.

KWP is a very new concept. It is the first Urban Water Partnership in the world and was formed in April last year. An initiative of the Hisaar Foundation and Pani Pakistan, it provides a much-needed bridge between various stakeholders, including citizens, the government, industries, and civil society organisations. Our mission is to support an environmentally friendly Karachi with safe water, and the conservation and management of sewage. We have over 200 partners involved in the project.

Considering how rapidly urbanisation is taking place in the city and the haphazard development of squatter settlements, do you not think Karachi is a difficult city to begin with?

Yes, it is, and that's the challenge for us. The pace of urbanisation has affected us all, but all we do is complain about our water problems. It's time we became responsible stakeholders and understood that water is our business too, and ensure that it is conserved and better managed so our upcoming generations do not suffer. For this, we have to adopt and implement the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approach in the city.

Can you elaborate on how the IWRM approach can be useful?

The IWRM is a process which promotes the coordinated development and management of resources. The KWP, for example, is linked to Area Water Partnership, which is part of the Global Water Partnership. This affiliation will help improve the municipal services and also make the government and other stakeholders realise their role and responsibility in promoting water conservation. It is based on the three Es (Equity, Economic efficiency, and Environmental sustainability).

What has the KWP been able to achieve in the past year and a half?

Our biggest achievement so far has been signing a memorandum of understanding with the KWSB for water conservation and a greener environment in Karachi, which will be spread over the next five years (June 2008 to June 2013). Through this, we were also able to engage the population in one selected town first – Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town – where KWP's model is working successfully. Training students and teachers at public sector schools in the town is our first step towards resolving the water and sanitation problem. It is being well received, which has encouraged us to replicate the model in other towns soon. 

It is often alleged that the KWSB is one of the most corrupt departments of the government. Did you face any resistance from the officials before signing the MoU?

No, not at all. The former managing director, Suleman Chandio, was quite enthusiastic and willing to help. In fact, during our interaction with him over the past year, we actually observed that the finances at the KWSB were quite well managed.

You see, the problem does not just lie with the government. Citizens who are involved in corrupt practices are equally to blame. Take our elected ministers. Instead of leading by example, they expect all basic utilities to be provided to them free of cost. They do not pay taxes, and remain insensitive to the needs of the poor. They assume that the more wealth and power they have, the more benefits they should have. Similarly, our citizens think that just because water is a basic human need, the government should not impose any tax on it. They don't realise that all public utilities come at a cost. The educated affluent class is equally to blame that does not conserve water.

So does that mean that if the so-called educated class changes its attitude and checks this practice, the problem of water scarcity can be resolved?

Yes. It is ironic, but this class is largely responsible for the unequal distribution of water in other parts of the city. Despite the fact that the KWSB pipes are designed to supply water 24 hours a day, residents of most low-income neighbourhoods in the city receive water only for two hours everyday. In other areas the pipes have gone dry and they receive no water at all. If the educated realise the important of conserving water, the water they waste can be distributed to those who are deprived.

How, in your opinion, can this practice be checked, and what role will the KWP play in the years to come?

In the MoU, we have suggested a water audit of KWSB premises, apart from assisting in setting up a water conservation system there. Awareness is the next step. A series of guidelines for homes, schools, offices, and the industry on the conservation of water will also be distributed with monthly water bills to all KWSB water consumers. Those households using air-conditioners will be advised to harvest water from the atmosphere through their cooling action. Also, since the water infrastructure needs to be micromanaged through local government structures, we are hoping that our Area Water Partnership will hopefully prove to be helpful in other towns too.

- Karachi's population is estimated to be 16 million people and will double to 32.5 million by 2020

- An estimated 40 % of this population is in informal settlements or Katchi Abadis

- Unsafe water kills at least 25, 000 children each year in Karachi

- Most of the towns in Karachi have a water supply system but only 35 to 45 % are connected

- The demand for water is 680 MGD but the supply is limited to 547 MGD

- The poor in Karachi pay at least 12 times as much for drinking water as the well-to-do, much of which is dirty and contaminated

- KW & SB – the only utility responsible for supplying water for 16 million people – is supposed to generate Rs16 million annually but recovers only Rs2 billion, a tenth of the actual amount

- 40 % of water is lost in Karachi through leakage before consumption.

- Industries in Karachi are the major source of water pollution and environmental degradation

Owing to the acute water shortage in Karachi, there are a number of localities with either no or little water supply. Junejo Town is one of them where the 40,000-strong population relies entirely on water tankers. Not a single house in the town gets any water from the supply lines of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB).  

It is located in UC-1 of Akhtar Colony, Jamshed Town, where a shortage of potable water is the town's biggest problem. 

"The infrastructure of water supply is 40 years old," reveals Abdul Khaliq, UC Nazim of Azam Basti while talking to Kolachi. "The lines were laid when the population did not grow as rapidly as it does now. There have been no new lines since then."   

Khaliq revealed that just half of the population has access to water supply, which they get once every two days for only 50 minutes.

"Azam Basti is situated at the tail of a reservoir, which why it does not receive water properly," he adds.   

Currently, there are 11 hydrants functioning in the city. Some of these hydrants can be found in Gadap Town (Mulla Esa Goth), North Karachi (Saba Hydrant), Gulshan Block-6, Sakhi Hassan, Shah Faisal Colony, Bin Qasim Town and Cattle Colony. In other areas, however, the problem of water shortage is rampant, and the dependence on water tankers vastly increases.  

In most places, a single water tanker costs Rs700 or Rs800, and a double tanker Rs1,400 or Rs1,500. A single tanker can carry 1,000 gallons of water, and a double tanker 2,000 gallons. A donkey-driven water tanker can be obtained for Rs120, although in many places, half of this tank would cost Rs70.   

Like Junejo Town, many areas have no choice but to pay for such tankers, such as in Mahmoodabad and Ittehad Town. It has been learnt, for example, that in Bhittai Colony, a mere 10 to 15 percent of the population has access to water supply, while everyone else has to rely on tankers.   

The people of Abdul Khaliq Wala Town and Mehran Town have similar woes. In Mehran Town, the water is, again, obtained through tankers, and majority of the residents in Abdul Khaliq Wala Town have to rely on water cans for drinking purposes. A small number of residents in Mehran Town have access to water supply lines, but none of these connections have been authorised.

To add to this are mosques in most parts of the city that waste most of the water through supply lines. In direct contradiction to the teachings of Islam that one should observe moderation and avoid everything in excess, mosques have become the place where wastage of water is worse than in other areas. This is evident when one observes people performing wodhu (ablution).

However, considering the scarcity of water in Junejo Town, some mosques have realised the need to conserve water. A mosque in the area has installed taps especially designed to discourage people from leaving water running at full force and to regulate its consumption. Experts suggest that this practice should be adopted by all mosques across the city not only to conserve water, but to discourage the tanker mafia from exploiting citizens by selling water at exorbitant rates.

alternate means

Suction pumps have become a popular commodity for many residents of Karachi, as many look towards alternative sources to make use of the often inconsistent water supply in the city. Talking to Kolachi, a vendor of suction pumps, Shahzad Azeem said: "Suction pumps have become a need for many people. Often, you will see two different types installed in many homes. A suction pump essentially sucks water from the main water line into the underground water tank of your house, while the other pump is used to transport water from the underground tank to the overhead tanks, usually installed on rooftops".  

According to Azeem, while suction pumps are used for personal consumption in some areas, in other areas suction pumps are used to steal water from the main water line and then create a monopoly over the supply of water. "The emphasis these days is on installing the largest and most powerful suction pump that is available in the market. This is because there is a competition to steal as much water from the main line, and establish a distribution network across mohallas to provide water," he said.

Most varieties of suction pumps are made in Gujranwala, while only about 10 per cent of pumps are made in Karachi. A single belt suction pump is defined in terms of 1 inch by 1 inch valve, and can be purchased for about Rs3,500. Similarly, a double-belt pump is 11/4" by 11/4"pump can be purchased for an amount ranging from Rs6,000 to 8,000, 11/2" by 11/2" for about Rs13,000, 2 by 2 for about Rs15,000 and 21/2" by 21/2" for about Rs18,000.  

Farooq Imran, a resident of Jamshed Road, told Kolachi that he was forced into buying a suction pump as water supply in his area was infrequent. "Do you think people can afford water tankers every second or third day? Maybe those who live in Defence or Clifton can, but for those who don't have as many resources, we are better off storing as much water when it is released. It was a one-time expenditure, but it was a worthwhile investment." 

Azeem meanwhile commented: "Of course these suction pumps are legal. If they weren't, wouldn't the government crack down on all markets selling these pumps? The issue is not with the pumps, it is with how people have tried developing monopolies with it."

Most barbers agree to the fact that four to five years ago, all that was required of them was to perform a simple haircut. But as times have changed, with more men willing to 'take care' of themselves, the barbers are determined to cash in on the new trend.

Adeel Ahmed is one such barber who used to have a small simple shop in North Nazimabad, but he now he has plans to expand his business. Although the rates vary across shops in different areas, the average cost of a makeover ranges between Rs5,000 to Rs7,000. "The package includes manicures and pedicures that are nor popular among young men," reveals Adeel.

Claiming to be an expert at facials and the overall grooming of men, he says that initially, many young men are reluctant to get a facial when they enter his shop, but once Adeel is finished with them, they always return. His shop is especially full of clients during Eid and the wedding season.

"It is the magic of Indian television," says Adeel. "It has spread like a fever amongst youngsters. They all want to have their nails in shape and get special facials."  According to Adeel, mothers are especially keen to have a particular style they have seen on television copied for their little boys.

They always say, 'do not worry about the money'. "Indian television copies Hollywood, and Pakistanis copy Indian television," he says. Some foreign men's magazines are also known to encourage the trend. Whatever the reason, the business promises big bucks at the end of the day.

While most of them are comfortable with the idea saying Metrosexuality does not make them feel any 'less masculine' there are others who insist on privacy to avoid direct contact with public. "Majority of the men ask for privacy," he explains and adding that most men are willing to pay any amount for quality service. "The shop now has a very good look, because youngsters are ready to pay a reasonable fee."

Before Adeel begins anyone's makeover, he asks many questions to make sure he understands exactly what his customers want. "Youngsters are very particular," he says with a smile.

Moreover, some young men are accompanied by women for advice on the right kind of haircut or facial. "In my friend's shop in North Nazimabad, there are times when a young man brings his fiancé with him while getting his facial done."

A simple facial takes an hour and a half, while a herbal facial takes two hours. At Adeel's shop, facials are booked by appointment. "If you are not punctual, you lose your turn," warns Adeel.

His salon remains open late into the night as he claims that "most young men are busy with their lives at work, and prefer taking an appointment at the end of the day for all these luxuries." A large number of his customers are engaged with the media and want to look good in front of the camera, he reveals.

Picking up on the trend are roadside barbers who are not trained, but still attract a large number of customers. "They are uneducated and untrained and do a horrible facial," insists Adeel, and proceeds to explain the complicated procedure of a facial.

"More than 50 creams and lotions are used. The very first step is to wash the face with distilled water. After that, there is a special massage, which is followed by more stages." But barbers on the street choose to ignore these stages and offer their services at a relatively lower price.

However, the demand for makeovers at 'fancy' salons remains high which is evident by the mushrooming of men's salons in various parts of the city like Khadda Market in DHA, Tariq Road and Nazimabad. These barber shops are seen ordering equipment that was previously seen only in expensive salons. "It will not be long before boys come to my shop asking for dreadlocks," predicts a barber.

For the past seven years since her brothers got arrested, Mai Bhaagi, the oldest member of the fishermen's families, has taken charge. From managing the income generated through fishing to looking after their hut, which the ravages of high tides have almost destroyed to dealing with government officials for her brothers' release, she is solely dealing with all.

The Jutt families live together in the Dabla Mohalla of UC Rehri Goth. Their original home was in Keti Bandar near Darya Saamond, but once the tributary dried up, they had to move. Ten years ago Mai Bhaagi, along with her brothers, shifted to the Dabla Mohalla. Already riddled with financial problems, none of them could have foreseen the trouble that lay in store for them. Mai Bhaagi recalls how it all began.

"It was a very stormy night in 1999," says the ageing woman, every wrinkle highlighted in her sun-reddened face as she speaks. "There was a cyclone. Some of the fishermen who had gone out to sea were tossed about in the waves and lost their way. My brothers and one of their friends - four men in total - had gone together but did not appear for days, even after the storm had died down."

At first, Mai Bhaagi thought they were lost. But as the days turned into months, she was forced to conclude that they must have died. "I waited. We all waited for them to come back home."

No one wanted to believe that the four men would not return. The loss of fishermen comes as an enormous financial blow to any of the poverty-stricken fisher folk on the Korangi Creek coastline. Without the fish they catch, they have no source of income. There are three other women in the small four-house 'neighbourhood' of this Jutt family, but their presence cannot bring in any money. 

"In the Jutt community, we women are banned from leaving our houses," says Mai Bhaagi. "Whether it is sickness, or even a death, we cannot leave our doorway after we have been married."

Bhaagi, however, has flouted this rule magnificently. Not only has she dared to leave the doorway of her house, she has appeared on television. Five years after the disappearance of her brothers, she received a letter from them saying that they were in Gujarat Jail, and that she should fight for them.

"I cannot just sit back because I am not allowed to do anything," she says in Sindhi, her voice cracking in desperation.

Determined to make a difference, Mai Bhaagi approached the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF). With the help of its Chairman Mohammad Ali Shah, and coordinator Saami Memon, she managed to voice her appeal to the Home Minister and invite the electronic media to make public the plight of her brothers.

"Talking to media and ministers is all I can do," says Bhaagi.

According to Saami Memon, there are many cases similar to the arrest of Bhaagi's brothers, such as the family whose men got lost on the seas ten years ago with just two letters of communication since. There is yet another family from which four men have been missing for sixteen years.

"Fishermen are unaware of sea borders, and it becomes even more difficult for them to judge their bearings during a storm or bad weather," explains Memon. "Occasionally, the men who are arrested are framed in a narcotics case."

While there are around 50 Indian men in Pakistani jails, there are close to 100 fishermen in Indian jails, mostly in Gujarat. When they were home, they were the lone source of income for their families. Mai Bhaagi understands the implications of their absence all too well. She cannot fish herself, and has to send other male members of her family to do so. However, she manages the finances back home.

"Only one of our young boys is left," says Bhaagi, pointing to her fifteen-year-old nephew, Mithu. His eyes are red, glazed, and droopy, and his skin dark and blotchy. It is clear that he is a drug user, but Bhaagi has no one else she can depend upon.

Her problems do not end here. In her neighbourhood, many of the huts, which are made of straw and mud bricks, have been ruined as rainwater and high tides wash over them. Bhaagi has been left to rebuild her own hut with Mithu's help.

Along the coastline, one particular family that can afford it has erected a cemented wall, which traps water. There had once been another wall to keep water off the shore, but it broke down and was not replaced. The pool of stagnant water in the area has caused an outbreak of various illnesses among children.

If not for the stagnant water, the children can contract diseases from the creek, into which many factories in the Korangi Industrial Area have dumped toxic waste. Some of the diseases are known to the people in the area. Others are not.

The polluted water has added to Bhaagi's suffering. One of her grandchildren, who is just a few months old, is malnourished and has developed a rash on the soles of her feet. Bhaagi's other grandchild is no healthier. Ever since being infected with tetanus, his mental and physical growth has been stunted. Sitting next to his grandmother, his eyes are out of focus. He, too, looks malnourished, even though his stomach is bloated.

"I cannot afford to even think of going out to get them treated," says Bhaagi. "First of all, commuting to a hospital will not cost less than Rs1,000. Secondly, even though treatment is free, the medications are not. And what about the routine check-up later?"

Government talks have not eased the situation of the fishing community in the area, who continue to die of illness and starvation, and wait for their arrested relatives to be released. Regardless of this and everything else she has to go through, Mai Bhaagi's resolve to struggle for her brothers' freedom remains intact. "I will fight for them," she vows.