• Says KWSC directed to ‘strictly follow’ scheduled timeline
• Urges citizens’ cooperation as University Road to remain closed for pipeline lying

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Monday said that the Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme, also known as the K-IV Project, will be completed rapidly as the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) has been directed to adhere strictly to the scheduled timeline.

The K-IV project, designed to provide a sustainable supply of an additional 650 million gallons per day (MGD) of water to the city in three phases, is being jointly executed by the Sindh and federal governments, with the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) currently being responsible for implementing Phase I, aimed at supplying 260 MGD to the city.

The construction under the K-IV project continues from Aziz Bhatti Park to Federal Urdu University of Art, Science and Technology, with a 300-meter section currently closed, causing severe traffic jams in the neighbourhoods.

Once the section between Aziz Bhatti Park and the Urdu varsity is completed, the road will be restored and work will proceed to the next phase. Water pipelines of 9.6 and 7.2 inch diameter are being installed from Aziz Bhatti Park to Hussain Square, which will meet the growing needs of the city in the future.

The pipeline will extend from the water filtration plant under construction in Bahria Town to Gulbai. Due to road closure from Aziz Bhatti Park to Urdu University, traffic disruption is expected.

In a statement issued from the Chief Minister House, the chief minister said that the work on the Red Line project was also ongoing; therefore, the water pipeline under K-IV was being laid in advance along this route to avoid repeated digging.

He said that the Sindh government “apologises” for any inconvenience caused by ongoing development work and renewed its commitment to transforming Karachi into a modern city equipped with adequate facilities.

Mr Shah said that providing clean and ample water to the people of Karachi is the top priority of the Sindh government. He directed the provision of alternative routes for the public during the closure.

He instructed the traffic police to guide citizens and ensure smooth traffic flow, especially during peak morning and evening hours. “Traffic police deployment in the area must ensure public convenience,” he said.

The chief minister stressed that public convenience must be ensured throughout the project. He also urged citizens to cooperate by using alternative routes.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2025