ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Water Resources reviewed delays in Karachi’s K-IV water supply project and discussed plans for a new Wapda Security Force as lawmakers raised concerns over water shortages, project completion and protection of major installations.
The committee reviewed a calling attention notice submitted by MNA Aminul Haque regarding delays in the K-IV project, which aims to improve Karachi’s water supply. Officials informed lawmakers that the project had faced financial challenges in the past but progress had improved after the Sindh government paid its share of Rs7.70 billion.
Wapda Chairman told the committee that funding issues had slowed the project, while Minister for Water Resources Moeen Wattoo said Rs86 billion had already been spent on K-IV, he added that an additional Rs70 billion would be needed to complete the remaining work.
The minister said around 40% of the project had been completed so far. He also clarified that water distribution was the responsibility of the provincial government.
During the meeting, MNA Syed Waseem Hussain highlighted Karachi’s ongoing water supply problems and said the tanker system remained active in the city. He said many residents were forced to buy water tankers, with prices reaching up to Rs8,000.
The committee also discussed the proposed Wapda Security Force Bill, which aims to establish a specialized security unit to protect Wapda projects and important facilities across the country.
Wapda officials said regular security guards were not enough to protect major projects and installations. They explained that several important sites required trained personnel due to their strategic importance.
The Wapda chairman said the organization wanted its own security force because the current security arrangements were becoming costly. Under the proposal, the force would hire employees on a contract basis without pension benefits.
