Water-starved citizens ‘squeezed’ further for more Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation revenue

Karachi residents face further financial strain as the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) implements a uniform 7.05% increase in water and sewerage charges. This latest hike affects both residential and bulk consumers, adding to the burden of citizens already struggling with inadequate water supply.

The notification, published in the Sindh Government Gazette on August 10, 2026, follows approval from the KWSC Board of Directors. This increase is the second major hike in just two years, with charges having already risen by approximately 23% in September 2024. At that time, sewerage charges were set at nine percent of water charges.

The decision has drawn widespread criticism from the public. Many Karachi residents depend on private water tankers because the KWSC consistently fails to ensure an uninterrupted water supply through its piped network. The utility's move to increase revenue comes despite its perceived failure to deliver basic services.