City's water crisis in focus as CM, WB review projects

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has said that Karachi's rapidly growing population requires an efficient water management system, transparent governance, and timely completion of strategic infrastructure projects.

He was speaking during a meeting with World Bank Country Director Bolorma Angabazar at the Chief Minister's House on Friday, where ongoing water supply and infrastructure projects for the metropolis were reviewed in detail.

The meeting focused on progress of key schemes, including the K-IV Augmentation Project, water metering initiatives, development works in katchi abadis (slums), and institutional reforms in the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KW&SC). Implementation timelines, funding requirements, procurement processes, and civil works under the Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project (KWSSIP) were also discussed.

The chief minister reaffirmed the provincial government's commitment to strengthening Karachi's water supply network, reducing water losses, and ensuring sustainable urban water infrastructure. He assured full support for the timely completion of all ongoing projects.

It was agreed in the meeting that progress review sessions between the provincial government and the World Bank will be held every 15 days to address bottlenecks and ensure timely implementation of projects.

Officials briefed the meeting that the plan for installation of 4,333 water meters has been finalised and will be submitted to the World Bank shortly. Under the agreed schedule, all consumer meters are expected to be installed by June 2027.

Mayor Murtaza Wahab informed the participants that out of 212 required system meter chambers, 150 have already been completed, while remaining sites will be identified by the Non-Revenue Water consultancy team working on the project.

Progress on the K-IV Augmentation Project was also reviewed. Officials informed the meeting that bidding documents were sent to the World Bank on May 10, and revised documents have since been resubmitted after incorporating feedback from the bank.

On the 2.7-kilometre shared corridor of the project, officials said work resumed on April 16, 2026, with installation of a 72-inch mild steel pipeline currently underway. Work on the 96-inch pipeline will begin after shifting of an SSGC gas pipeline and rehabilitation of Nipa Bridge.

The corridor component is expected to be completed by August 2026, the meeting was told. The chief minister directed authorities to remove all administrative and technical bottlenecks in the K-IV project, stressing that it is critical for Karachi's future water security and no delay will be tolerated.

The meeting was further informed about ongoing institutional reforms and recruitment in KW&SC, including key technical and administrative positions such as Director Project Development, Communication Specialist, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, and Director Operations and Reforms.

Briefing the meeting on urban development works in Essa Nagri and Sooba Nagar, officials said construction of water storage tanks and drainage cleaning is underway, while main water line connections will be initiated after Eid.

In Sooba Nagar, paver block work is in progress, while relocation of a chlorination unit from Shah Faisal Pumping Station is planned to improve water treatment facilities. The project is expected to be completed by June 2026.

The World Bank team was also informed that feasibility studies for the K-IV Augmentation Project have already been submitted for review.

Additional funding requirements under KWSSIP-II for water treatment plants and consultancy services were also discussed.

CM Shah stressed the need for transparent planning, institutional reforms, and sustainable investment in Karachi's water sector, saying the government aims to develop a modern, reliable, and efficient water supply system for the city in collaboration with development partners.