KARACHI (Nov 26) – Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, in a high-level meeting with WAPDA Chairman Lt Gen (R) Sajjad Ghani at the CM House, stressed the urgent need to allocate an additional 50 MGD of water from the Hub Dam to address Karachi’s growing demand.
The meeting, attended by Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani, Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro, Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, and senior officials, also reviewed progress on critical projects, including the K-IV Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme and the Right Bank Outfall Drain (RBOD).
CM Shah highlighted ongoing efforts to construct a parallel canal to enhance Karachi’s water infrastructure. In response, WAPDA Chairman urged a formal request from the Karachi Water Board, which Mayor Wahab confirmed had been submitted. The chairman also pointed out Rs. 1 billion in outstanding dues owed by the water board, prompting the CM to instruct immediate settlement of the liabilities.
Progress on K-IV Project
The K-IV project, spearheaded by WAPDA, aims to supply 260 MGD of water from Keenjhar Lake to Karachi. WAPDA Chairman Ghani reported that 53% of the project is complete, with eight contract packages underway, involving local and international contractors. Key components include a 650 MGD intake structure at Keenjhar Lake, a gravity channel, pumping stations, reservoirs, filtration plants, and a pressurised pipeline.
The Sindh government is complementing WAPDA’s efforts by working on distribution systems, land acquisition, and a 50 MW power supply. CM Shah approved the release of Rs. 8 billion as Sindh’s cost share for the project and directed speedy resolution of right-of-way clearance and compensation issues.
With an expected completion date of June 2026, the K-IV project is seen as a lifeline for Karachi’s water-starved population.
