KARACHI: The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has announced a 48-hour suspension of the Hub Canal’s operations to carry out essential maintenance and inspection (M&I) works — a move likely to temporarily disrupt water supply to several districts of Karachi.

The closure, scheduled from October 28 to October 29, 2025, is part of WAPDA’s ongoing efforts to upgrade and secure the city’s critical water infrastructure.

According to officials, the Project Director of Hub Dam formally notified the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KW&SC) of the planned closure through an official communiqué.

The letter stated that the temporary suspension of water flow from the Hub Dam to the X-Regulator section is necessary to facilitate a comprehensive survey and urgent repairs along the canal. The works are intended to strengthen the canal’s structure and ensure more reliable water delivery in the long term.

A KW&SC spokesperson confirmed that the shutdown would directly impact Karachi’s West, Keamari, and Central districts, which primarily rely on the Hub Canal for their freshwater needs.

“During this period, water supply will remain suspended in these districts, and residents may experience temporary shortages,” the spokesperson said.

He advised citizens to store sufficient water in advance and use it judiciously during the maintenance window, urging the public to avoid unnecessary wastage to minimize inconvenience.

KW&SC management has assured residents that it remains in constant communication with WAPDA to monitor maintenance progress. Once the repairs are completed and water flow resumes, updates will be shared through official channels.

WAPDA officials noted that while the shutdown is temporary, it forms part of a broader initiative to improve Karachi’s water distribution efficiency. The Hub Canal has come under increasing strain in recent years due to rapid urban growth and rising water demand, necessitating periodic maintenance to prevent major breakdowns.

Water management experts stress that regular maintenance of the Hub Canal is essential to sustain consistent water flow from the Hub Dam, one of Karachi’s primary freshwater sources. Any prolonged disruption in this system, they warn, could impact millions of residents, especially in localities with limited alternative water access.

As Karachi braces for two days of restricted water supply, both WAPDA and KW&SC have expressed hope that public cooperation will help the city manage the temporary inconvenience effectively. Officials reiterated that the maintenance work is a necessary step toward long-term water security and enhanced service delivery for the metropolis.