Karachi: In a significant move to enhance Karachi’s water infrastructure, Mayor Karachi and Chairman of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC), Barrister Murtaza Wahab, inaugurated the Noor Mohammad Balouch Pumping Station, reinstating its operations after a 35-year hiatus. This development promises improved water supply for over 300,000 residents in Saddar Town, Lyari Town, and the surrounding Old City areas, who have long struggled with water shortages due to the facility’s inactivity.

According to Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, the inauguration was attended by several high-ranking officials including KWSC CEO Ahmed Ali Siddiqui, COO Engineer Asadullah Khan, and Chief Engineer Aftab Alam Chandio. The project completion is expected to benefit residents of Ranchore Line, Kharadar, Mithadar, and several other localities with a more reliable water supply system.

Mayor Wahab’s directive to prioritize the rehabilitation of the pumping station, following a visit three months ago, led to extensive restoration efforts by KWSC. These efforts included repairing the civil structure, overhauling pumping machinery, and installing a 500-foot-long pipeline, among other upgrades. The project’s cost, including expenditures to K-Electric, was approximately Rs. 30.5 million.

Addressing the ceremony, Mayor Wahab highlighted the station’s establishment in 1991 under former Mayor Dr. Farooq Sattar, but noted it never became fully operational due to the lack of a permanent electricity connection. He emphasized the importance of providing basic amenities like clean water and criticized political adversaries for neglecting such fundamental issues despite long tenures in power.

He also mentioned ongoing development projects, including the restoration of public facilities and new water stations in Manghopir and Mominabad, to further bolster the city’s water distribution network. Mayor Wahab reiterated the administration’s commitment to public service and accountability, thanking KWSC officials for their efforts in completing the project.

The Mayor concluded by affirming the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and KWSC’s dedication to improving urban services and addressing the city’s longstanding challenges through collective effort and determination.