CM orders acceleration of K-IV, canal lining works

Calls for timely fund releases, protection of water infrastructure

KARACHI:

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Thursday reviewed progress on key water supply projects for the metropolis, directing officials to expedite work and ensure timely release of funds to address the worsening water crisis.

The review was undertaken at a high level meeting chaired by CM Shah and attended by Energy Minister Nasir Hussain Shah, Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro, Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah and senior officials from the relevant departments.

Officials briefed the chief minister on various initiatives aimed at ensuring a sustainable and long-term water supply for the metropolis, with a particular focus on the K-IV Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Project. Under K-IV, Karachi is expected to receive 260 million gallons per day (MGD) of water from Keenjhar Lake. The project, under WAPDA's execution since 2020, includes an advanced pressurised pipeline system and extensive in-city expansion works currently under way.

CM Shah instructed authorities to immediately finalise the financial mechanism required to ensure uninterrupted power supply for the K-IV system. He was also updated on three major reservoirs planned under the project's expansion:

R-1 Reservoir (65 MGD): Expected to stabilise supply in Central, East and West districts, including Razzi Goth. R-2 Reservoir (130 MGD): Designed to meet the water needs of a large portion of the city.

R-3 Reservoir (65 MGD): Will strengthen supply in the western and central corridors and support water flow to the Hub pumping station. The meeting was informed that agreements for the K-IV grid station and transmission lines have been finalised, while the Sindh cabinet has already approved equity investment and loan financing for the project.

Officials also briefed the chief minister on the lining of the Kalri Baghar (KB) Feeder Canal, a critical component to securing K-IV's water quota. CM Shah directed the Irrigation Department to mobilise machinery and workforce within the limited construction window ahead of the Kotri Barrage closure in December.