Sindh, World Bank review Karachi water network

May 29, 2026 (MLN): Karachi’s expanding population and rising urban demand have made timely completion of water infrastructure projects and institutional reforms essential for the city’s future water security, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said while reviewing ongoing water supply and sewerage initiatives in the metropolis.

During discussions held at the CM House with World Bank Country Director Bolormaa Amgaabazar, the chief minister stressed the need for efficient water management systems, transparent governance and uninterrupted execution of strategic projects aimed at improving Karachi’s water network, according to APP.

The meeting reviewed progress on Karachi’s major water supply and infrastructure schemes, including K-IV augmentation, water metering, civic works in informal settlements and institutional reforms within the Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation.

“Karachi’s growing population requires efficient water management systems, transparent governance and timely completion of strategic projects,” Murad Shah said, adding that the Sindh government would extend full support to ensure ongoing schemes were completed within stipulated timelines.

The session also reviewed implementation schedules, procurement progress, funding requirements and civil works being carried out under the Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project.

The meeting was attended by Local Government Minister Nasir Shah, Planning & Development Minister Jam Khan Shoro, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, PSCM Agha Wasif and Chairman P&D Najam Shah. The World Bank delegation included Manager Operations Gailius J. Draugelis, Regional Practice Director Mesky Brhane and Senior Water Specialist Tiziana Smith.

The chief minister said the provincial government remained committed to improving Karachi’s water supply network, reducing water losses and ensuring development of modern and sustainable urban water infrastructure.

Both sides also agreed to hold fortnightly review meetings to closely monitor progress and address bottlenecks to ensure timely completion of projects.

During the briefing, Nasir Shah informed participants that the consumer meter installation plan covering 4,333 meters had been finalised and would be shared with the World Bank within a few days. He added that all consumer meters would be installed by June 2027 under the agreed implementation schedule.

Mayor Murtaza Wahab informed the World Bank team that 150 out of 212 chambers required for system meters had already been constructed, while locations for the remaining chambers would be identified by the Non-Revenue Water consultancy team engaged on the project.

The meeting also reviewed progress on the K-IV augmentation project and its procurement process. Officials informed the chief minister that bidding documents had been submitted to the World Bank on May 10, while comments received from the Bank were being incorporated. Revised bidding documents had also been resubmitted.

On the 2.7-kilometre common corridor component of the K-IV augmentation project, Nasir Shah said work resumed on April 16. He stated that installation of a 72-inch mild steel pipeline was underway, while work on the 96-inch pipeline would begin after relocation of an SSGC gas pipeline and rehabilitation of the NIPA bridge.

Officials informed the meeting that the corridor project was expected to be completed by August 2026. Murad Shah directed the Local Government Department and the Mayor of Karachi to remove all administrative and technical hurdles affecting progress on the project.

“The K-IV project is critical for Karachi’s future water security, and there should be no unnecessary delays in its execution,” the chief minister said.

The meeting also reviewed recruitment and institutional strengthening within KW&SC. Participants were informed that hiring for several technical and management positions, including Director Project Development, Communications Specialist, Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist and Director Operations & Reforms, was currently in progress.

Reviewing civic infrastructure works in Essa Nagri and Soba Nagar, Mayor Murtaza Wahab said construction of a water storage tank and drain cleaning activities were underway in Essa Nagri, while work on water supply connections from the main line would begin after Eid.

In Soba Nagar, paver work was in progress, while a chlorination unit from Shah Faisal Pumping Station would be shifted to improve water treatment operations. The mayor said the Soba Nagar project was likely to be completed by June 2026.

The World Bank delegation was also informed that feasibility reports related to K-IV augmentation had already been submitted for review.

The meeting further discussed the need for additional allocations for water treatment plants and consultancy services under KWSSIP-II.

Emphasising the importance of transparent planning, institutional reforms and sustainable investment in Karachi’s water sector, Murad Shah said the government aimed to build a modern, reliable and efficient water supply system for the city through close coordination with development partners.

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