Karachi, July 12, 2024 – The water crisis in Karachi’s largest industrial area, SITE, has worsened significantly, leading to a cessation of water supply to industries and severely affecting production.
Many factories have been forced to shut down due to the acute water shortage. Muhammad Kamran Arbi, President of the SITE Association of Industry (SAI), urgently appealed to the Managing Director of Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) to restore adequate water supply to enable uninterrupted industrial activities.
Arbi highlighted that water supply to SITE industries has been halted for the past week, resulting in a complete halt of production activities. Despite repeated notifications to KWSC management, there has been no restoration of water supply, leading to substantial losses for the industrial community.
“Additionally, the unavailability of water tankers to meet industrial demands threatens the closure of a large number of factories. This situation not only jeopardizes exports but also exacerbates unemployment,” added the SAI Chief.
The SITE area, home to numerous factories and industrial units, has long been grappling with infrastructure challenges, but the current water crisis marks a new low. Factory owners and workers alike are expressing grave concerns over the prolonged disruption. The lack of water has rendered many production processes inoperable, affecting industries ranging from textiles to chemicals.
The economic impact of this crisis is multifaceted. Beyond the immediate halt in production, there is a ripple effect on the broader supply chain. Export commitments are at risk, which could lead to financial penalties and loss of international clients. Locally, the shutdown has caused layoffs and furloughs, intensifying the unemployment crisis in Karachi.
“Water is as essential to industry as it is to life. Without it, our operations come to a standstill. We cannot meet our production targets, and our employees are left without work,” said a factory manager, who wished to remain anonymous. The sentiment is echoed across the SITE area, where the frustration is palpable.
Kamran Arbi reiterated the industry’s plea to the MD of KWSC to urgently intervene and restore water supply, emphasizing its critical role in preventing further economic setbacks in the SITE area. He warned that if the water crisis persists, the consequences could be dire for both the industrial sector and the wider economy of Karachi.
The SITE Association of Industry has called for a meeting with KWSC officials, hoping to find a swift resolution. As the crisis continues, the need for immediate action becomes ever more urgent, with the livelihood of thousands hanging in the balance.
Karachi’s industrialists and workers are now watching closely, waiting for a decisive response from the authorities to ensure that the water supply is reinstated and industrial operations can resume without further delay.