Sindh govt, WB agree to fast-track city water overhaul

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Monday met World Bank Country Director Bolorma Amgaabazar to review progress on water supply and sewerage projects in the provincial metropolis, with both sides agreeing on a fast-track roadmap to strengthen the city's fragile infrastructure.

The meeting at the Chief Minister's House focused on the Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project (KWSSIP), where officials assessed implementation progress, identified key challenges and discussed measures to accelerate delivery.

Senior officials, including Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah and other top bureaucrats attended the session. The World Bank delegation comprised specialists in water supply, sanitation, procurement, environment and social development.

CM Shah stressed that improving access to clean drinking water and upgrading Karachi's outdated sewerage system remained among the Sindh government's top priorities. "Karachi needs a robust and modern water infrastructure system to meet the needs of its growing population," he said, underscoring the urgency of reforms.

Officials told the meeting that one of the key objectives of the KWSSIP is to provide safe drinking water to around two million residents of the metropolis.

Mayor Wahab said that chlorination plants had been relocated to designated sites and were being made operational. He added that water quality testing is expected to begin by July 30.

CM Shah directed the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) to expedite the remaining work and ensure that project timelines are strictly followed.

The meeting participants highlighted longstanding issues in Karachi's water sector, including aging infrastructure, leakages, poor distribution and limited treatment capacity.

World Bank officials stressed that infrastructure upgrades must be accompanied by institutional reforms to ensure sustainable outcomes. They pointed to the need for improved governance, financial management and operational efficiency within relevant agencies.

The chief minister acknowledged these concerns and reiterated the government's commitment to addressing systemic weaknesses alongside physical development.

A major outcome of the meeting was an agreement on a fast-track roadmap aimed at speeding up project implementation. The plan includes setting clear milestones, improving coordination among stakeholders and strengthening monitoring mechanisms.