Govt criticised for water neglect

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah criticised the federal government on Friday for releasing only Rs3 billion this year out of the Rs78 billion it had committed for the K-IV water project for Karachi. He said the Sindh government had funded all associated components of the project itself.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 20th “My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony” Exhibition at Expo Center, on Friday Shah said four major K-IV sub-projects were ongoing. A Rs50 billion expansion of water feeders would be completed this year. A separate Rs170 billion project is bringing water from Keenjhar Lake to Karachi, with a power plant being installed by STDC to support two pumping stations.

The chief minister announced that a new 100 MGD Hub Canal had been completed and would be inaugurated on August 14, while the old canal would be restored to the same capacity. By year-end, Karachi is expected to receive 200 MGD water from Hub Dam.

He also highlighted the Dumlottee project for South Karachi and said 150 MGD additional water would be supplied to the city this year. Shah urged the federal government to increase Karachi’s water allocation from Hub Dam, especially as availability had improved due to better climatic conditions.

Referring to the 2015–16 World Bank gap analysis, he said Karachi needed Rs3 trillion to meet modern urban standards. Large-scale infrastructure, he stressed, could not be handled by the provincial government alone and required federal support.

He criticised the Centre for not convening the Council of Common Interests (CCI) for 18 months. He pointed out that although Sindh produces 70% of Pakistan’s gas, it is denied its constitutional share. He vowed to raise the issue in the next CCI meeting and reminded that the constitution requires CCI to meet every three months.

Shah called on citizens to fulfil legal duties, such as paying taxes and registering vehicles, and not blame law enforcement for governance issues. He reassured the business community of the Sindh government’s full support.

Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala thanked the provincial government for supporting KCCI and urged the CM to expedite K-IV to resolve water shortages in Karachi’s industrial areas. He highlighted the exhibition’s global recognition and urged foreign diplomats to promote Karachi’s positive image abroad.

KCCI President Jawed Bilwani appreciated the “Marka-e-Haq” theme for Independence Day and recalled the 2004 origins of the exhibition. He urged the Sindh government to establish a world-class Expo Center and upgrade Karachi’s only existing one.

Bilwani criticised high water tariffs and the incomplete K-IV project. He expressed concern over persistent gas shortages and deteriorating infrastructure. He called for road repairs, better drainage, encroachment removal, improved traffic, street crime control, and accelerated Safe City Project implementation.