KARACHI, Sept 29: In order to plug leakages in water lines and upgrade the water distribution network, a 'system strengthening project' (SSP) has been made part of the K-III project.

The K-III project is aimed at providing an additional 100 million gallon a day (MGD) water to Karachi. According to an official of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board, PC-1 of the project is in final stages and expected to be completed in December.

"The PC-1 will be sent to the federal government for the release of funds. The estimated cost of the project is between three and four billion rupees." The KWSB official said that project would help overcome the problem of water loss through leakages in obsolete water lines. The leakages are one of the major factors contributing to water shortage in different parts of the city.

Under this project, joints would be strengthened, new lines laid where required, distribution network improved and treatment process rehabilitated. Conceived in '90s, the project was to be made part of K-II project but the plan could not be materialized due to financial constraints. -PPI