KARACHI: In a unanimous decision, the Sindh Assembly has passed ‘The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation Bill, 2023’ to convert the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) into a corporation.
According to sources, the move aims to address the increasing water demand in Karachi while also transforming the organization into a profitable entity.
The bill, which was previously sent to the standing committee on law, parliamentary affairs, and human rights for review, has now been presented back to the assembly and passed clause-by-clause.
The introduction of the bill states that the establishment of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation is necessary to incorporate all the essential elements that will make the utility a profit-making organization and meet the growing water demand.
Furthermore, it also emphasizes the importance of reducing non-revenue water in the short, medium, and long term through accountable and modern management practices, rationalizing tariff structures, and enhancing revenue recovery.
According to the bill, the corporation will be chaired by the city mayor, and a chief executive officer will be appointed by the board for a four-year term.
The corporation will operate based on sound commercial practices, ensuring that its revenues are sufficient to cover all operational and maintenance costs, including a reasonable return on investment.
Additionally, the corporation will be responsible for collecting tariffs, charges, fees, and arrears, as well as ensuring its financial sustainability.
Besides, it will have the authority to outsource water supply, sewerage maintenance, and ancillary services such as complaint management and user fee recovery, particularly in low-income areas and Katchi Abadis.
Source: The Nation
