Sindh CM orders to begin work on 65MGD water project

Project includes revival of KB canal, which will supply water to Karachi from Haleji Lake

KARACHI: Keeping in view escalating water scarcity in Karachi, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed officials to initiate work on a water supply scheme, costing Rs6 billion, to will provide the metropolis with additional 65MGD of water. The project's execution includes the restoration of Kalri Baghar (KB) feeder canal, which will supply water to the city from Haleji Lake via a new pumping station at Gharo.

Presiding over a meeting on Saturday, the CM elaborated that a reinforced cement concrete (RCC)-lined canal would be constructed, to carry water to Gharo pumping station, as part of KB feeder canal's restoration and the water supply scheme would also include the rehabilitation of Haleji Lake.

Briefing him, Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah said that a 65MGD pumping station would be constructed at Gharo, a 72-inch pipeline would be laid to transmit water from Gharo to the high point - a vent allowing air to escape as water fills the line - and another transmission line would be laid to carry water from the high point to the Pipri water filter plant.

Upgrading Dhabeji pumping station

Murad also reviewed the upgradation of Dhabeji pumping house.

Nasir informed him that the rehabilitation of electrical and mechanical machinery at the pumping station was needed, while two pumping houses needed an overhaul. He added that 65 per cent of the work had been completed.

At this, the CM instructed him to increase the pace of work.

Rehabilitating the canal

Murad also directed Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) officials to work on a scheme to rehabilitate the canal supplying water from Hub to Karachi, enabling it to carry water to its full capacity of 100MGD.

K-IV project

At a separate meeting, Murad was told that National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK), which had earlier raised objections over the design of the K-IV water supply project, had finalised a report on the matter as well as the selection of the design consultant for the project. The local government minister informed him that most points of disagreement were settled and a Chinese firm had come up with a new proposal for the project's design.

The CM directed him to submit the NESPAK report to KWSB, so that it could be discussed in detail.

Renewal of lease

Murad sought a report on the expired leases of land in the city from the Board of Revenue (BoR) officials, directing them to present the report at the next cabinet meeting. 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 16^th, 2020.