The Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, has emphasized the urgent need to expedite progress on critical water infrastructure projects in Karachi, highlighting the severe consequences that delays could have on the city’s already strained water and sanitation systems. During a comprehensive review meeting held at the CM House on Thursday, Murad Ali Shah underscored the importance of completing the K-IV Water Supply Project and implementing reforms under the Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project (KWSSIP) as essential steps toward securing the city’s future water needs.
Addressing officials, the chief minister pointed out that Karachi’s rapidly growing population demands a modern, efficient, and reliable water supply network. He stressed that all ongoing projects must be finished within their scheduled timelines and adhere to the highest standards of quality to ensure long-term sustainability. “Our city’s expanding population requires a water system that is not only adequate but also resilient and capable of meeting future demands,” he remarked, urging all stakeholders to maintain a sense of urgency.
During the meeting, officials updated the chief minister on recent advancements in the K-IV pipeline project, particularly the intensified work along a challenging 2.7-kilometre stretch that overlaps with the Karachi BRT Red Line Project corridor. Project teams have set an ambitious target to install two major pipelines daily to keep the initiative on track as it approaches its final phases. Murad Ali Shah instructed authorities to sustain this momentum while carefully minimizing disruptions to residents in densely populated neighborhoods. He also recommended adopting advanced excavation technologies to prevent damage to existing underground utilities and infrastructure.
Further discussions revealed that several key components of Phase-I of KWSSIP are nearing completion. One Customer Service Centre has already become operational, with additional centres in the final stages of construction. The Centre of Reform, Research and Innovation (CERRI) building is also under development, alongside multiple parking facilities for service vehicles, all designed to enhance operational efficiency. Officials reported notable progress on the Dhabeji Rising Main and the rehabilitation of the Dhabeji Pumping Station, both crucial for strengthening Karachi’s bulk water transmission capabilities.
In line with broader reform efforts, the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation has launched a new digital platform that enables residents to conveniently pay their water bills, lodge complaints, and request water tankers online. This service is accessible in Urdu, English, and Sindhi, aiming to improve customer engagement and service delivery. Additionally, KWSSIP is actively working to extend water and sewerage services to underserved informal settlements through community-based initiatives. Areas such as Soba Nagar and Essa Nagri are being integrated into improved water and sanitation networks via dedicated outreach and engagement programs, reflecting the project’s commitment to inclusive development.
The meeting also reviewed preparations for Phase-II of KWSSIP, which promises to significantly expand investments in water infrastructure and institutional reforms across Karachi. The chief minister highlighted that this next phase, supported by international partners including the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, will focus on deepening sector reforms, modernizing infrastructure, and enhancing overall service delivery throughout the city.
Concluding the session, Murad Ali Shah called for enhanced coordination among all relevant departments and agencies to ensure the timely and efficient implementation of these vital projects. He reiterated that the success of these initiatives is crucial not only for addressing Karachi’s immediate water challenges but also for securing a sustainable and prosperous future for its millions of residents.
