Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan has called for completion of K-IV water project for the metropolis before March 2018. He stressed this during a briefing held at the Governor House, here on Friday. The Governor was briefed in detail about K-IV, 100 MGD and 65 MGD projects.
Ebad was of the view that the K-IV project was prepared in the wake of Karachi's existing water shortage as well as the city's future needs. He termed the K-IV as the "lifeline" of the metropolis and stressed that this be completed before March 2018 at every cost. At the briefing the Governor was informed that the design of the K-IV has been completed and the cost is estimated to be Rs 25.55 billion.
The project would be completed in three phase. The first phase of 260 MGD started from the current year and would be completed by 2018. The second phase of 260 MGD would be initiated in 2018 and would be completed in 2022. The third phase of 30 MGD would be completed by 2025. The land required has been acquired.
The Governor directed that appropriate security arrangements be made for the project. There be patrolling, check posts and installation of CCTV cameras. The Managing Director of Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB), Misbahuddinn Farid informed that the security arrangements are being ensured. During the briefing it was informed that the Federal and provincial governments have released the funds and that the money is not the problem. It was stated that there is potential for the completion of the K-IV before 2018.
A canal would be constructed on 80 percent of the project and the work would be carried out day and night. For the completion of the project 30 packages would be formulated and tenders for the same would be called from time to time. The Governor directed that the tenders for the packages be issued immediately so that the project could be completed promptly. He directed the completion of the K-IV promptly in accordance with the desire of the Prime Minister.
With the completion the K-IV project can meet the water requirements of Karachi for the next 50 years. The Governor also directed that like K-III, the K-IV be also completed with less cost. He further instructed that for running the pumping stations, effective electricity arrangements be ensured and alternative steps be taken for uninterrupted power supply.