The Sindh High Court’s constitutional bench expressed strong frustration with the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation officials over the lack of water supply to a citizen’s home in Orangi Town, questioning why residents are left thirsty despite availablility of water.

During the hearing, Justice Adnan Karim Memon asked officials why water is not reaching houses through pipelines when it is available, noting that the city’s mayor had assured citizens that piped supply would be restored.

The applicant had complained that his home was not receiving water through the pipeline, causing immense hardship to residents.

The water corporation superintendent explained that the problem stems from old pipelines and electricity load-shedding, while the corporation’s lawyer, Masroor Ahmed, also took a similar stance that outdated infrastructure was causing disruptions.

Justice Memon, however, rejected the explanation, saying, “If the pipelines are old, build new ones.”

He also questioned how tanker operators manage to supply water across Karachi if the water corporation receives limited water.

“When water is available via tankers, why is it not supplied through the lines? This clearly indicates negligence in piped water distribution,” the court remarked.

The superintendent admitted that some tankers obtain water from illegal hydrants, but the court stressed that legality should not affect delivery to citizens.

“Whether legal or illegal, people must get water to their homes. Stop the tanker system and provide water through pipelines,” the judge ordered.

The court warned that if the situation does not improve, a strict verdict could be issued against the KWSB.

Authorities were instructed to ensure an immediate water supply to the complainant’s residence.