Karachi’s 65 MGD Water Supply Scheme Fails to Quench City’s Thirst
By Nazir sial. Dec. 20
Karachi: A decade-long failed project has exacerbated Karachi’s water crisis. Despite spending Rs 1.15 billion, no significant progress has been made due to poor planning and financial mismanagement. The completion of the 65 MGD Water Supply Scheme now seems like a distant dream.
The 65 MGD Water Supply Scheme was initiated to address Karachi’s water crisis, particularly in the Malir area. The project aimed to supply water from the Haleji Lake to the Pipri Filter Plant. However, despite starting in 2014, the project remains incomplete.
The project consists of four main components:
1. Construction of intake structures and conduits: Installation of 84-inch diameter siphon pipes at Haleji Lake, RCC lines, canal, and conduit construction.
2. Laying of rising main pipe line: Installation of 72-inch diameter steel pipes from the Ghado pumping station to the Pipri Filter Plant.
3. New pumping house at Ghado: Construction of a 65 MGD capacity pumping house with modern electrical and mechanical systems.
4. Construction of RCC conduit: Building of a conduit to complete the water delivery system up to the Pipri Filter Plant.
Initial Challenges
In 2014-15, the project’s cost was estimated at Rs 5.97 billion. However, several issues arose:
– Underestimation: The cost of pumping stations was underestimated.
– Shortage of local materials: PRCC pipes were not available, and reliance on imported materials was necessary due to the closure of Pakistan Steel Mills.
– Design flaws: Poor planning led to increased costs and delays.
By 2018, the project’s cost had risen to Rs 11.16 billion, indicating financial mismanagement.
Delays and Issues
In 2018, contracts for Packages 1 and 3 were awarded, but Package 2 (construction of the pumping station) saw no progress despite repeated tenders. So far, Rs 1.15 billion has been spent on Packages 1 and 3, but the project has been stalled since 2019.
Due to inflation, contractors demanded a 50% to 126% increase in rates to resume work, which was not possible under the contract.
Water Availability Issues
The project relies on 65 MGD water supply from the Keenjhar Lake. However, the following issues persist:
– KB Feeder lining: The Rs 39 billion project condition could not be fulfilled.
– K-4 project failure: The additional water supply project failed multiple times.
– Keenjhar Lake expansion: The Rs 80 billion lake expansion project has not started yet.
Furthermore, the federal government rejected Sindh’s demand for additional water, putting a question mark on the project’s future.
