**CDWP Clears Revised Rs172 Billion K-IV Water Supply Project for Karachi**
**ISLAMABAD:** The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved the revised **Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme (K-IV)** at an estimated cost of **Rs172 billion**, marking a significant escalation from its original cost while reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to addressing Karachi’s long-standing water shortage.
The project, envisioned as a lifeline for Pakistan’s largest city, has experienced a **975 percent increase in cost** since its original approval in 2007, alongside a delay of more than **13 years**. Despite the revised investment, the project’s planned water supply capacity has been reduced from **650 million gallons per day (MGD)** to **260 MGD**.
The decision was taken during a CDWP meeting chaired by **Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal**, where seven development projects worth **Rs252.97 billion** were considered. Of these, four projects valued at **Rs12.43 billion** received direct CDWP approval, while three major projects—including the revised K-IV scheme—were referred to the **Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC)** for final approval.
According to officials, contracts for the current phase of K-IV were awarded in **June 2022** at a cost of **Rs98.5 billion**, with completion originally targeted for **October 2023**. However, the project’s cost has since increased by **75 percent**, and completion is now expected by **June 2027**.
Speaking before a parliamentary committee, **WAPDA Chairman Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Muhammad Saeed** attributed the delays primarily to financing constraints.
Originally approved in **2007** at a cost of **Rs15.8 billion**, the K-IV project was revised to **Rs25.5 billion** in **2014** after the inclusion of a **50-megawatt power supply** for pumping stations, along with bridges and tunnels required for the **121-kilometre transmission system** carrying water from **Keenjhar Lake** to Karachi.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that the project carries **far-reaching social and economic benefits**, highlighting the federal government’s substantial investment to ensure the supply of safe drinking water to Karachi’s residents. He stated that the project aims to reduce dependence on expensive private water tankers and ease the financial burden on low-income households.
The minister also directed the **Government of Sindh** to submit a comprehensive report on the synchronization of all critical project components, particularly the timely completion of the **50MW power supply** and the associated water distribution network.
### **Other Major Projects**
The CDWP also referred the **Rs37.13 billion Pakistan Space Centre (PSC)** project, sponsored by **SUPARCO**, to ECNEC. The facility aims to develop Pakistan’s indigenous capabilities in satellite design, assembly, integration, testing, and qualification, reducing reliance on foreign infrastructure.
Another project referred to ECNEC was the **Rs31.59 billion Lahore Water and Wastewater Management Project**, which includes the construction of twin raw water pipelines, a **54 MGD water treatment plant**, pumping stations, district metered areas to reduce water losses, bulk water metering, distribution infrastructure, and a **5MW solar power system**. The Punjab government has been directed to ensure annual funding through its Annual Development Programme.
Meanwhile, the CDWP approved four higher education projects worth **Rs12.43 billion**, including infrastructure development at the **Women University of AJ&K Bagh**, **Emerson University Multan**, the establishment of an **Institute of Technology and Management Sciences in Hyderabad**, and the strengthening of the **Khan Bahadar Choudhry Mushtaq Ahmed College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences** in Narowal.
Story by Khaleeq Kiani
