KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e Insaf (PTI) leader Khurrum Sherzaman demanded that the Pakistan Rangers take over the management of Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KW&SB) as current management is too politicized and incompetent.
A newspaper story reported that water theft of 7 million gallons per day (MGD) by the hydrant mafia continues unabated despite KW&SB’s claims of plugging 196 illegal hydrants. This is outrageous given the current heat wave in Karachi, as many residents of this city continue to suffer from water shortage.
Sherzaman stated, “The existence of illegal hydrants is not likely possible without the complicity between corrupt KW&SB official and the police. I urge the Sindh Government, in particular the Minister for Local Bodies to take immediate notice and swift action to crackdown on these illegal hydrants.”
In addition, a recent newspaper story stated that 16 major consumers of KW&SB have defaulted on their dues that total around Rs.15.4 billion, if true, shows the financial and operational mismanagement going on in KW&SB.
KW&SB suffers from overstaffing that has occurred over the last 12 years, as the current number of personnel is around 13,000 whereas experts claim that the number required to run the organization is only 3,000 to 4,000 employees. Over staffing has occurred due to political influence in the hiring of personnel.
He made the following demand, “Given the level of incompetence and politicization of KW&SB management, I demand that the Pakistan Rangers be given operational management of the organization.
In addition, the Sindh Government and KMC should consider a restructuring and right-sizing plan for KW&SB to improve its operational and financial efficiency.”
