KARACHI: In move that has sparked widespread concern and anger, Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation approved 23 percent hike in water and sewerage bills during board meeting chaired by Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab.

Increase, which includes 14 percent rise in water charges and 9 percent hike in sewerage charges, will take effect from next month. Decision has caused uproar among Karachi’s residents, who are already burdened by high utility costs, including electricity and gas bills. “This sudden and substantial increase is nothing short of water bomb on people of Karachi,” said one resident, expressing frustration over deteriorating state of water and sewerage services in city. Hike has been met with strong opposition from Jamaat-e-Islami, whose leader in Karachi City Council, Saifuddin Advocate condemned move.” Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation is failing institution, unable to provide basic services to citizens. This increase is unacceptable,” he stated. Saifuddin accused Board of imposing increase to repay $ 1.6 billion loan taken from World Bank. He vowed that Jamaat-e-Islami would not only raise its voice against hike but also launch vigorous protest campaign. Move, seen as unjust by many, has deepened sense of frustration and anger in city.