KARACHI, Sept 8: The managing director of the KWSB, Brig Iftekhar Hyder, has said that the 100-mgd K-III Additional Bulk Water Supply Project will be completed in June 2006, and consultants will be appointed for another 100-mgd K-IV project during the current month.

He said the Water Board was installing master-meters at major water supply trunks so as to ensure equal distribution of water to all parts of the city.

He was talking to journalists during a visit to the K-III project on Thursday. Chief Engineer (Project) Mashkoorul Hasan, Manager (Project) Misbahuddin Farid and other officials were also present on the occasion.

Brig Iftekhar said the Federal Government had earmarked Rs6.20 billion for this project and it would be completed within this allocation.

He said the entire project had been carried out by Pakistani engineers and so far 75 per cent work had been completed.

The KWSB MD said that when this additional supplies started, the Water Board would reduce the system of water supply on alternate days and even deficit areas would also begin getting water.

He said that big scanners had been installed at Dhabeji for filtering water whereas steps were under way for the installation of a filter plant.

Brig Iftekhar said that out of 100mgd, 5mgd would be supplied to some parts of Balochistan, including Lasbella district.

In reply to a question, he said the consultant for the K-IV project would submit a required feasibility report within a year, work would start in 2007 and completed by 2011.

He said the Federal Government had approved the Water Board’s proposals for plugging leakages and pre-qualifications invited for the purpose.

Regarding contamination of water, he said a presentation was made to Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad on Sept 6 and it was suggested that either small filter plants be installed near katchi abadis or the lines be laid over ground.

He said the governor had approved this Rs200 million project and arrangements were also being made for mobile filter plants to be used at places from where complaints of water contamination were received. — APP