In a significant move to address Karachi’s chronic water shortage, the Karachi Water Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) has signed an Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) agreement for the construction of a new Hub Canal. The project aims to enhance the water supply to the port city by upgrading key water infrastructure, ARY News reported.
The agreement was signed by KWSC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Engineer Syed Sallahuddin Ahmed in a ceremony held at the MD Secretariat. The event was attended by Director Wah Construction Limited Shoaib Shafiq, Colonel Sabahuddin Chaudhry, 3G Consultant Sultan Dogar, Project Director Hub Canal Sikandar Ali, and Chief Engineer Sewerage E&M Syed Sardar Shah.
Key Features of the Project
According to the KWSC spokesperson, the project encompasses the construction of a new Hub Canal, as well as the restoration of the existing one. In addition to the canal, the Hub Pumping Station, rising main, and the Hub Filter Plant will be upgraded. Their current capacity of 80 Million Gallons per Day (MGD) will be increased to 100 MGD, ensuring a substantial boost in water availability.
The project is slated to be completed within a year, at a fixed cost of Rs 12.76 billion. Once finished, the enhanced water infrastructure will significantly improve water supply to Karachi’s western district and Keamari, providing much-needed relief to residents in these areas.
Addressing Karachi’s Water Crisis
During the ceremony, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab reiterated his commitment to solving the city’s water crisis. He highlighted that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) had already approved a proposal to bring additional water to the city from the Hub Canal. The Rs 12 billion project, once completed, is expected to deliver 200 million gallons of water per day to Karachi.
Additionally, the Mayor mentioned another proposal sent to the Sindh government, aimed at transporting water from Keenjhar Lake to Karachi. The estimated cost for this project stands at Rs 77 billion. The Mayor acknowledged that the water supply system in Karachi, especially from the Hub Dam, is outdated and inefficient, with much of the infrastructure dating back over 45 years. Due to the system’s age, the city currently receives only 55 million gallons per day instead of the intended 100 million gallons.
Long-Term Impact
Once the new Hub Canal is constructed, alongside the restoration of existing infrastructure, Karachi’s water supply system will experience a major overhaul. The new system is expected to bring a more reliable and increased water flow to the city, addressing long-standing supply issues and providing better water access to the growing population.
This initiative marks a critical step towards alleviating the water shortages that have plagued Karachi for decades. By modernizing its water infrastructure, the city hopes to secure a sustainable solution for its water needs, benefiting residents and businesses alike.
Karachi’s officials and stakeholders are optimistic that these initiatives will not only solve immediate shortages but also lay the foundation for long-term water security in the city.
