Hoping to cut KWSB’s costs, USAID inaugurates ‘efficient’ pump
The first of the 75 new water pumps, which are being installed around the city with help of the United States Agency for International Aid (USAID), were inaugurated on Wednesday.
The USAID is expected to spend $1 million on the this tubewell water pump replacement programme, which will replace the water board’s existing pumps with new ones. The new pumps are expected to double KWSB’s efficiency, and will be using 40% less energy. The water utility is expected to save up to 1.73 megawatts of power, which would translate into almost $1.15 million in savings every year.
“Outdated mechanical and electrical instruments are a constraint for the KWSB,” said Governor Dr Isharatul Ebad, who was present during the ceremony. KWSB spends billions of rupees every year on paying electricity bills, which go into running several large and around 400 smaller pumps.
The newly inaugurated pump is located in Clifton and will supply water to 25,000 households. KWSB uses a network of stations to pump water from filtration plants such as Dhabeji and Hub.
US Consul General Michael Dodman said that “expanding energy resources” was critical for the country, and recalled that the US had helped Pakistan with the Tarbela and Mangla dams as well as the Guddu power project as well.
“One of our most important civilian assistance priorities is energy. This project will increase energy efficiency and increase overall water security,” said Dodman.
“I am grateful for goodwill gesture of the United States and its generous support for Pakistan,” said the governor.
KWSB managing director Misbahuddin Farid requested USAID to also consider upgrading the main pumping stations of Dhabeji, Hub, Gharo and Pipri.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 4th, 2012.
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US Aid should also help with water recycling facilities. In the US, water stressed localities quickly switch to recyling and conservation techniques. El Paso has made a reputation for itself for its conservation abilities. That can do spirit should be exported.