K-IV project delays raise water supply concerns in Karachi

Delays in the B-Feeder canal's lining work have sparked fears of an impending water crisis in Karachi, while experts warn of additional setbacks to the already delayed K-IV water supply project.

According to Express News, the K-IV project, aimed at enhancing Karachi’s water supply, involves a significant investment of Rs40 billion from both the federal and Sindh governments. The plan is to increase the capacity of the Kalri Baghar feeder, which takes water from Kotri Barrage.

The project is intended to be completed by 2027, covering a stretch of 36 kilometers and 190 outlets. However, work on the feeder was halted for 23 days from December 20 to January 13 by the irrigation department, and progress has been far slower than expected.

During this 23-day period, 45 outlets covering eight kilometers were expected to be completed, but only 25 outlets (five kilometers) were partially finished. This delay is worrying, especially given that the World Bank had set the condition that the feeder's capacity be increased before funding for the K-IV project could be released.

Currently, the B-Feeder canal can discharge 7,600 cusecs of water, but once the project is complete, its capacity is expected to increase to 9,800 cusecs.

Following another World Bank requirement, the irrigation department has been directed to complete the project by 2026, ahead of the original 2027 deadline as the project director has requested an additional Rs 14 billion in funding to expedite the work.

In response, Sindh’s Chief Minister has written to the federal government to ensure timely funding, with hopes that the required amount will be allocated within the next 15 days.

However, experts are expressing dissatisfaction with the slow progress and are concerned that the project may not be completed on schedule.

Meanwhile, the appointment of the project director has been challenged in the Sindh High Court, adding to the uncertainties surrounding the project’s timely completion.