KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah presided over a high-level meeting to review and expedite major water supply and other infrastructure projects aimed at resolving Karachi’s chronic water scarcity and associated challenges.
“This is a decisive step towards sustainable water security for the city, reflecting the government’s commitment to fulfilling citizens’ needs through strategic infrastructure investments,” Shah stated.
The meeting, held at CM House, was attended by Minister Local Govt Nasir Shah, Minister P&D Jam Khan Shoro, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Chairman P&D Najam Shah, Secretary Local Govt Waseem Shamshad, Secretary Finance Fayaz Jatoi, Secretary to CM Raheem Shaikh and others.
The CM noted that the Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Project (K-IV) will deliver 260 million gallons per day of potable water from Kinjhar Lake to Karachi via an advanced pressurised pipeline system. The project, under Wapda’s management since 2020, is progressing steadily.
During the briefing, the Chief Minister was informed that augmentation work within the city, such as pipe-laying along University Road to connect with the main K-IV line at Gul Bai from the Northern Bypass, is being fast-tracked. Three proposed reservoirs — R-1, R-2, and R-3 —will be developed under the K-IV augmentation strategy to integrate new bulk water with the existing distribution network.
R-1, with a 65 MGD capacity, can immediately support central Karachi through its current system. By laying just 13% of the proposed pipeline network, it will strengthen supply to Central Karachi and partially to East and West zones, also reinforcing supply to Razi Goth and serving as an alternate augmentation to the Hub Canal when required.
R-2, with an augmentation capacity of 130 MGD, is designed to support large parts of North, Central, and East Karachi using 40% of its network and stabilise systems like the 66-inch Gulshan-e-Maymar line. R-3, with a 65 MGD capacity, will enhance water supply in the West and Central corridors, extending up to the Hub Pumping Station. If the Rozi Goth–Hub corridor is disrupted, R-3 can reinforce the entire West system, ensuring continued delivery to areas such as Surjani, Orangi, Manghopir, and surroundings.
Pipeline completion is targeted for December 2026, with distribution enhancements expected by March 2028. The Chief Minister directed Local Government Minister Nasir Shah to personally oversee progress for timely completion.
K-IV Grid Station: The meeting also highlighted progress on crucial power supply components, with contracts signed for the K-IV Grid Station and Transmission Line projects. These are essential for efficient and sustainable water pumping. The Sindh Cabinet has approved joint equity investment and plans for debt financing, demonstrating robust provincial and federal cooperation to overcome previous funding delays.
Kalri Baghar Feeder (KB Feeder): Urgent lining of this vital canal was discussed to safeguard K-IV’s water quota. The government emphasised mobilising resources during the limited construction window while the Kotri Barrage is closed in December. The 50.989 billion project, funded by federal and provincial governments, is expected to save 510 cusecs of water by preventing seepage.
Hub Dam: To ensure critical maintenance, the Chief Minister authorised the release of Rs. 1.075 billion for accrued liabilities, securing the dam’s structural integrity and water supply to Karachi and Balochistan.
RBOD Drainage System: Emphasising a coordinated approach between WAPDA and Sindh Irrigation, the Chief Minister called for swift restoration of the RBOD drainage system’s flood damage to protect the environment and prevent further disasters from toxic water dumping.
In conclusion, the Chief Minister directed relevant departments to ensure timely financial releases and inter-agency cooperation to meet project deadlines. The meeting underscores a pivotal commitment to sustainable water security and strategic infrastructure for Karachi.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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