The development work on a water supply project to provide the people of Karachi with an additional 65 million gallons per day (mgd) of water has stopped since September 2019.
The Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) has been making efforts for this project since 2012 and got the project approved by the Sindh government in 2014. The initial study of the project was done in 2016-17 and in the budget of 2017-18, Rs. 1 billion was allocated for it, however, only Rs. 250 million was released. The remaining funds were not released in the budget of 2018-19.
In the 2019-20 budget, Rs. 500 million was allocated for the project out of which Rs. 37 million was released.
In the current 2020-21 budget, only Rs. 150 million was allocated for the project out of which Rs. 37 million was released last month.
ALSO READ
Standing Committee Directs to Ensure Payment of Compensation to Dadhocha Dam Affectees
Out of the funds released by the Water Board, Rs. 30 million was given to the contractors and Rs. 7 million to the consultant company.
So far, no development work has been started on the two components of the project while only 15 percent of development work has been completed on the other two components and the work has halted for a year and a half now.
A Water Board official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that there are two contractors for the 65 mgd project who had to be paid Rs. 500 million, however for several months they have been denied the payment. Out of Rs. 37 million issued by the Sindh government, Rs. 15 million has been paid to each contractor. The contractors have clearly stated that they will only resume work if all their arrears are paid.
ALSO READ
PIA Once Had Poultry Business, and They Have Finally Decided to Sell It
Furthermore, the official said that on the directive of Sindh Chief Minister, Murad Ali Shah, a component of the 65 mgd project is expected to be constructed in collaboration with the World Bank.
KARACHI KO PANI DO :
BAHRIA NE APNA DAM BANAYA
KARACHI KO APNA DAM TO DO