Sindh govt approves $1.6b programme to overhaul KWSB

CM Murad says project will encourage private sector investment in water supply

KARACHI: The Sindh government has approved the launch of Karachi Water and Sewerage Improvement Programme (KWSSIP) in a bid to make the waterboard a viable utility.

During a meeting at the CM House, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said that the $1.6 billion project was being launched to raise the operational capacity of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) so it can deliver safe and reliable water service to its consumers on a sustainable basis.

He said that the project will aid in establishing an environment conducive to private sector investment in water supply and wastewater treatment.

The $1.6-billion project is being financed by the World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, with each having a share of 40% in the total funding. Meanwhile, the provincial government will provide the remaining 20% share.

The chief minister directed the local government minister to sign a commitment of cooperation within the next few days so that the project could be started. He also gave approval for the steering committee to monitor the implementation of the project.

The KWSSIP project has four components divided into four phases, which include reforms, securing sustainable water supply and sanitation, and project management and studies. The reforms in KWSB include overhauling HR policy and service rules, improving communication strategy, capacity building, budget, financial management, improvement in revenue collection and improving customer relations.

Shah said that the cost of the second phase of the project was $685 million, adding that it had 12 components. He shared that around 195MGD additional water would be made available for the city in the second phase. 

Published in The Express Tribune, October 8^th, 2019.