KARACHI: Preparations are under way to bring about fundamental changes in the overall institutional and governance structure and infrastructure of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) under a $1.6 billion project to be signed with the World Bank in July.

This was stated by KWSB Managing Director Engineer Asadullah Khan during a consultative session held at the KWSB office with stakeholders to share details of a draft report on the project’s environmental and social framework.

First phase of ‘Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project’ is estimated to cost $100m. It is expected to commence soon after signing of the project. The government of Sindh would contribute 20 per cent of the total cost of the project spanning over 12 years.

Detailed presentations were given during the meeting to inform participants that the project would bring necessary reforms in the KWSB to turn it into a financially viable utility by adopting best international practices. The meeting concluded with a question-answer session.

It was attended by officials, including those representing Sindh Solid Waste Management Board, Sindh Environmental Protection Agency, Karachi Metropo­litan Corporation, Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and district municipal corporations.

Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2019