Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has ordered expediting work on major water infrastructure projects in Karachi, stressing that the K-IV project’s timely completion and other reforms under the Karachi Water & Sewerage Services Improvement Project (KWSSIP) is essential to meet the city’s growing water and sanitation needs.
During a review meeting he chaired at the CM House on Thursday, Shah stressed that improving Karachi’s water supply system remains one of the government’s top priorities. “Karachi’s expanding population requires a modern and efficient water supply system. We must ensure that all ongoing projects are completed on time and with the highest quality standards.”
Shah was informed that work on the K-IV pipeline has been intensified, particularly along a challenging 2.7km corridor shared with the Red Line bus rapid transit project. Teams are now targeting the installation of two major pipelines per day to keep the project on track during its final stages.
Shah ordered ensuring work continues at an accelerated pace while carefully managing construction in densely populated areas with existing utility lines. “Technical complexities should be handled with modern excavation techniques so that ongoing work doesn’t damage public infrastructure or disrupt city services.”
The CM was informed that several important components of the KWSSIP’s Phase-I are nearing completion. One customer service centre has already been completed, while additional centres are in the final stages of construction. The Centre of Reform, Research & Innovation building and several parking sheds for service vehicles are also in development.
Officials also reported significant progress on the Dhabeji Rising Main and the rehabilitation of the Dhabeji Pumping Station, both of which are critical for improving Karachi’s bulk water transmission system.
As part of institutional reforms, the Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation has launched a unified digital platform for customer services, enabling citizens to manage billing, lodge complaints and book water tankers online. The platform is available in Urdu, English and Sindhi.
The meeting was told that KWSSIP is also extending water and sewerage services to underserved informal settlements through community-based initiatives. Areas such as Soba Nagar and Essa Nagri are being connected to improved water and sanitation networks through dedicated community engagement programmes.
Shah emphasised that equitable access to water and sanitation must remain a central objective of the project. “Our reforms must ensure that every resident of Karachi, including those living in informal settlements, has access to safe water and proper sanitation.”
The meeting also reviewed preparations for the KWSSIP’s Phase-II, which will significantly expand investments in water infrastructure and institutional reforms. Shah said that the next phase aims to deepen sector reforms, modernise water infrastructure and improve service delivery.
