Govt way behind water sector target

ISLAMABAD:

The government has lagged far behind in meeting its water sector development target as it utilised only 53.7% of the budget allocated for uplift projects in the sector in the outgoing fiscal year, reveals the Annual Plan 2023-24.

According to the document, out of the total budgetary allocation of Rs89.055 billion for the water sector in 2022-23, approximately Rs47.904 billion (53.79%) has been disbursed so far. Of the total amount, the government had earmarked Rs74.9 billion for water projects of the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) but disbursed only Rs40.8 billion.

Balochistan had been allocated Rs8.3 billion for water sector projects, however, actual disbursement came in at Rs4.2 billion.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) got Rs2.15 billion against the allocation of Rs3.3 billion while Sindh received only Rs235 million as compared to the budgetary target of Rs1.3 billion. However, the government is hopeful that it will be able to fully utilise the remaining budget by the end of June 2023 and will remain within the projected timeline.

Despite the devastating floods of 2022, which badly impacted economic growth, all efforts were made to fully protect the ongoing water sector development programme for FY23, according to the Annual Plan.

The following major goals and targets are expected to be met by the end of FY23, said the plan. These comprised the completion of 15 ongoing projects at a cost of Rs79.372 billion, including the small dam projects and feasibility studies.

In this area, construction activities remained in progress on both mega projects of national importance, ie Diamer-Basha Dam and Mohmand Dam.

“Owing to the dwindling water supplies in the country, both dams are the backbone of the agricultural economy of Pakistan,” it said.

On completion, these dams will greatly mitigate water shortage by adding 7.076 million acre feet (MAF) to the storage capacity and reduce power shortage by adding 5,300 megawatts to the national grid.

Kachhi Canal (Phase-I) with 102,000 Culturable Command Areas (CCA) in Balochistan has remained operational. Some 57,000 acres of the command areas have been developed by the government of Balochistan. However, the command area of the remaining works has not yet been developed. “Work on Kachhi Canal Phase-I (remaining works) for the additional 30,000 acres of CCA has remained in full swing,” the Annual Plan said.

To supply irrigation water to the cultivable land in K-P and utilise the due share of K-P in the Water Apportionment Accord (WAA) 1991, PC-I of the Chashma Right Bank Canal (lift-cum-gravity) amounting to Rs189.606 billion was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on October 7, 2022. The project is aimed at irrigating 286,100 acres of land in K-P.

According to the Annual Plan, complete financing had been arranged and funds released for the completion of the “Raising of Baran Dam” project in Bannu, K-P.

To reduce the existing shortfall in the water demand currently being faced by Quetta, the revised PC-I of the Mangi Dam costing Rs13.247 billion was approved by Ecnec on July 6, 2022. The Mangi Dam will supply 8.1 million gallons (15.1 cusecs) of water daily to Quetta.

Apart from these, work on the Kurram Tangi Dam Phase-I (Kaitu weir diversion and allied works) remained in progress in North Waziristan. Ecnec approved the Sindh Water and Agriculture Transformation Plan (SWAT) amounting to Rs70.445 billion on December 6, 2022.

Under the Karachi Transformation Plan (storm water drain projects), the restoration and revamping of Gujjar Nullah and Orangi Nullah remained in progress.

Ecnec also approved the revised PC-I of the Naulong Multipurpose Dam (Jhal Magsi, Balochistan) amounting to Rs39.9 billion. Key objectives of the project are to provide irrigation water for 47,000 acres of land of the command area and to produce 4.4MW of electricity.

Outlook

For fiscal year 2023-24, an amount of Rs99.847 billion has been earmarked for the water sector, reflecting the government’s commitment to prioritising this critical area.

The allocation within the water sector is strategically divided to address key priorities and meet the diverse needs across various entities.

Out of the total allocation, Rs58.238 billion has been set aside for Wapda. This funding is aimed at bolstering Wapda’s capacity and supporting its initiatives for water resource management, infrastructure development, and power generation.

Additionally, Rs30.3 billion has been allocated to all four provinces. “This allocation recognises the importance of regional participation and enables the provinces to implement localised projects, address specific water challenges, and support regional development priorities,” the Annual Plan said.

Furthermore, Rs11.3 billion has been earmarked for the Flood Protection Sector Project (FPSP)-III and other federal projects. “These funds will contribute to the implementation of crucial federal initiatives and projects aimed at strengthening the water sector, ensuring equitable distribution of resources, and enhancing water-related services nationwide.”

By strategically distributing funds among key entities and projects, the allocated budget for the water sector in 2023-24 will optimise resource utilisation, foster collaboration between federal and provincial stakeholders, and advance the nation’s water management objectives.

“These investments reflect the government’s commitment to address water-related challenges, promote sustainable development, and improve the livelihoods of citizens through efficient water resource management,” it said.

With a focus on sustainable growth, innovation and resilience, water sector strategies will be instrumental in achieving targeted goals and addressing the evolving needs of future.

By aligning policies, resources and expertise, these strategies will pave the way for comprehensive and impactful interventions that foster progress of water sector projects, it added.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 11^th, 2023.

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