Karachi, In a significant move to improve the city’s drainage system, Mayor Karachi and Chairman of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, has overseen the handover of new jetting and suction machines to the Water Corporation. This development, part of a collaborative effort with the Sindh Government and the World Bank, is aimed at addressing the growing water supply and drainage challenges in Karachi.
According to Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, the ceremony took place at the MD Secretariat Karsaz, where 40 jetting and suction machines, manufactured at a cost of 901 million rupees, were handed over to the CEO of the Water Corporation, Engineer Syed Salahuddin. Mayor Wahab emphasized the need for collective efforts to improve Karachi, inviting political and religious parties to join in the city’s development and prosperity.
During the ceremony, Mayor Karachi handed over the keys of the new machinery to the CEO of the Water Corporation. The machines, equipped with 90 meter Euro 2 engines, are capable of unclogging severe sewage blockages, representing a significant upgrade in the city’s capacity to manage its drainage system. The Mayor highlighted that this initiative is a part of their manifesto to tackle the problems arising from the city’s ever-increasing population.
Mayor Wahab also announced the launch of a fleet management portal under the Water Corporation, which will include tracking systems in all suction and jetting machines. This system will allow users to know the location and operation status of these machines, enhancing the efficiency and transparency of their deployment.
The ceremony saw the attendance of Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad, COO Water Corporation Engineer Asadullah, and other top officials and board members of the Water Corporation. The Mayor expressed his gratitude to the Sindh Government, the World Bank, and Karachi Water Sewerage Services Improvement for their cooperation in this initiative.
Looking ahead, Mayor Wahab disclosed plans for further expansion of the drainage system capabilities. In the second phase, an additional 14 jetting machines, 14 suction machines, 10 combined jetting and suction machines, and two mobile workshop vehicles, manufactured by Miraj Limited Factory, will be added to the Water Corporation’s system. He also mentioned ongoing water projects to increase water supply from the Hub Dam and a new 65 MGD project under consideration, underscoring the commitment to complete these projects promptly.
This initiative marks a significant step in improving Karachi’s infrastructure, particularly in addressing its longstanding water supply and drainage issues. The new machinery and the planned expansions reflect a concerted effort to strengthen the city’s capacity to manage its growing needs effectively.