CM reviews KWSSIP progress, orders acceleration of K-IV Water Supply Project

KARACHI, Mar 19 (APP):Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday directed officials to accelerate work on major water infrastructure projects in Karachi, emphasising that the timely completion of the K-IV Water Supply Project and other reforms under the Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project (KWSSIP) is essential to meet the growing water and sanitation needs of the metropolis.

Presiding over a review meeting at the CM House, the chief minister stressed that improving Karachi’s water supply system remains one of the provincial government’s top priorities.

“Karachi’s expanding population requires a modern and efficient water supply system. We must ensure that all ongoing projects are completed on time and with the highest quality standards,” he said.

The meeting was attended by Provincial Ministers Nasir Hussain Shah and Jam Khan Shoro, Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Principal Secretary to CM Agha Wasif, Chairman Planning & Development Najam Shah, Secretary Local Government Waseem Shamshad, Chairman CIEC Dr Sarosh Hashmat Lodhi, CEO Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation Ahmed Ali Siddiqui, Project Director KWSSIP Ayesha Hameed, COO KWSC Asadullah Khan, and other officials.

The chief minister was informed that work on the K-IV pipeline has been intensified, particularly along a challenging 2.7-kilometre shared corridor with the Karachi BRT Red Line Project.

Project teams are now targeting the installation of two major pipelines per day to keep the project on track during its final stages. Murad Ali Shah directed the authorities to ensure that work continues at an accelerated pace while carefully managing construction in densely populated areas with existing utility lines. “Technical complexities should be handled with modern excavation techniques so that ongoing work does not damage public infrastructure or disrupt city services,” he said.

The meeting was informed that several important components of Phase-I of KWSSIP are nearing completion.One Customer Service Centre has already been completed, while additional centres are in the final stages of construction. The Centre of Reform, Research and Innovation (CERRI) building and several parking sheds for service vehicles are also under development.

Officials also reported significant progress on the Dhabeji Rising Main and the rehabilitation of the Dhabeji Pumping Station, both of which are critical for improving Karachi’s bulk water transmission system.

As part of institutional reforms, the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation has launched a unified digital platform for customer services, enabling citizens to manage billing, lodge complaints and book water tankers online.

The platform is available in Urdu, English and Sindhi, making it more accessible for residents across the city. The meeting was told that KWSSIP is also extending water and sewerage services to under-served informal settlements through community-based initiatives. Areas such as Soba Nagar and Essa Nagri are being connected to improved water and sanitation networks through dedicated community engagement programmes.

Murad Ali Shah emphasised that equitable access to water and sanitation must remain a central objective of the project. “Our reforms must ensure that every resident of Karachi, including those living in informal settlements, has access to safe water and proper sanitation,” he said.

The meeting also reviewed preparations for Phase-II of KWSSIP, which will significantly expand investments in water infrastructure and institutional reforms.

The Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said next phase, supported by the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, aims to deepen sector reforms, modernise water infrastructure and improve service delivery across Karachi.
Concluding the meeting, the chief minister directed all departments to maintain close coordination and ensure the timely implementation of the project.

“The success of KWSSIP will transform Karachi’s water supply and sanitation system. We must sustain the current momentum and deliver lasting improvements for the citizens,” Murad Ali Shah said.