World Bank approves $240m to improve Karachi’s water

The World Bank has approved $240 million for the Second Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project (KWSSIP-2) to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in Karachi.

This project aims to ensure safe WASH services for nearly 16 million people with better water supply and for 7.5 million people with enhanced sanitation services by 2030.

“Safely managed WASH services are the foundation of public health and quality of life,” said Najy Benhassine, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan. “KWSSIP-2 will expand investments in bulk water augmentation, water treatment, wastewater reuse, and sewer network rehabilitation,” he added.

Building on the success of KWSSIP-1, the initiative focuses on improving Karachi’s water infrastructure. It aims to provide safer drinking water and better sanitation for over 500,000 residents in informal settlements, including Katchi Abadis.

The project is expected to deliver significant long-term benefits, such as reducing the cost of alternative water sources, saving time spent collecting water, and improving health by lowering the incidence of waterborne diseases.

To promote gender equality, KWSSIP-2 will introduce inclusive hiring policies at the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC). The plan includes training women, offering internship opportunities, and helping them advance into leadership positions within the utility.

“This project will institutionalize opportunities for women graduates and help promote women to higher-grade positions,” said Khairy Al-Jamal, the Task Team Leader for KWSSIP-2.

KWSSIP-2 is co-financed by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank with $240 million. The Government of Pakistan will contribute $250 million, with an additional $269 million expected from private and commercial financing.

This project is the first phase of the World Bank’s broader Pakistan Urban WASH Services Programme, targeting 33.5 million people by 2035. It is part of a South Asia regional initiative aiming to provide WASH services to 100 million people across the region by 2035.