KARACHI: The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) has informed the Sindh High Court (SHC) that it has approached the provincial government for a grant of Rs36.1 billion.
This funding is required to make three sewage treatment plants (STPs) functional under the Greater Karachi Sewerage Scheme, commonly known as S-III.
The utility has submitted a detailed summary and proposals to the provincial government, requesting the release of the required amount from the annual development program.
However, the finance department has argued that the KWSC possesses its funds and resources and should be responsible for meeting the expenditures associated with making the STPs functional.
The finance department also suggested that if the KWSC intends to set up a new combined effluent treatment plant (CETP), it can submit proposals to the government for consideration.
A two-judge bench, headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, directed provincial authorities to continue pursuing the proposals for the STPs and to provide a progress report during the next hearing.
According to sources, the SHC is hearing a petition filed by several non-governmental organizations in 2017. The petition concerns the release of untreated effluent and industrial waste into the sea.
The S-III project aims to address the treatment of domestic sewage generated in Karachi through an integrated system of collection, treatment, and disposal of sewage into the Lyari and Malir rivers.
The project includes the upgrade and capacity enhancement of existing STPs and the construction of new ones.
It is worth noting that the KWSC had previously invited tenders for the construction of STP-IV in the Malir River in 2018-19 but was unable to proceed due to funding constraints and ongoing construction projects in the area.
The SHC adjourned the hearing to a date that will be determined by its office in two months.
Source: DAWN
