The Chairman of the Hyderabad SITE Association of Trade and Industry Zubair Ghangra, has expressed serious concern over the ongoing administrative conflict and unclear division of powers between the Hyderabad Water and Sewerage Corporation (HWSC) and SITE Limited, which has crippled the operations of Hyderabad’s industrial zone. He stated that the persistent dispute between the two institutions over their responsibilities has completely disrupted essential services such as water supply, drainage, and maintenance of basic infrastructure — resulting in a sharp decline in industrial productivity and growing hardships for the workforce.
Chairman Zubair Ghangra revealed that the Hyderabad SITE Industrial Zone covers approximately 1,264 acres, housing 389 industrial units. Of these, only 166 are currently operational, while 223 units are either closed or partially functional. He warned that if the government and relevant authorities do not take immediate corrective action, dozens more units could face closure, posing serious threats to employment, exports, and investment.
He explained that the conflict over administrative authority continues to deepen. SITE Limited claims responsibility for sanitation, road maintenance, and basic water management within its jurisdiction. In contrast, the Water and Sewerage Corporation asserts its control over water supply and drainage, even in the industrial areas. As a result, industries are suffering from either polluted and foul-smelling water — often mixed with sewage — or complete disruption of supply for several consecutive days.
Chairman Ghangra further noted that the poor drainage management has led to the accumulation of wastewater in factory areas, creating unhygienic conditions for workers and damaging valuable machinery, raw materials, and finished goods. He added that due to inefficient handling of industrial waste, environmental pollution has intensified, and the groundwater level has been severely affected.
Citing internal assessments, he stated that these administrative failures have caused an estimated 20 to 30 percent reduction in production capacity of operational units, directly impacting export performance and the local economy.
Chairman Zubair Ghangra called upon the Government of Sindh, the Minister for Industries and Commerce, and the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Hyderabad to urgently intervene and form a Joint Working Committee to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of both institutions.
He proposed that this committee should determine which authority will handle water supply, drainage, industrial waste management, sanitation, and road maintenance, and within what timeframe these services must be delivered. The committee should include representatives from SITE Association, SITE Limited, WASA, the Local Government Department, and the Commissioner’s Office to ensure that every decision is practical and strictly implemented.
Chairman Ghangra also demanded that transparent audits and quarterly public reports on water quality, drainage systems, and fund utilization be made mandatory to eliminate any possibility of corruption or negligence.
He concluded by emphasizing that the SITE Industrial Zone is the heartbeat of Sindh’s economy , generating goods worth millions of rupees every day. Unfortunately, institutional incompetence and power struggles have weakened this economic lifeline. The government can resolve this crisis with one coordinated decision, restoring the strength and vitality of this vital industrial hub.
