HYDERABAD: In a significant move to overhaul the infrastructure of the province’s educational ins­titutions, the Sindh government has unveiled a comprehensive water supply and filtration scheme for the University of Sindh (SU).

The project, valued at approximately Rs4,873.8m, is designed to tackle long-standing water shortages and ensure the provision of safe drinking water for the university’s rapidly growing population.

Special Assistant to the Sindh Chief Minister for Public Health Engineering and Rural Development, Mohammad Saleem Baloch, announced the initiative on Tuesday during a press briefing in Jamshoro.

Accompanied by SU Vice-Chancellor Dr Fateh Mohammad Marri and other senior officials, Mr Baloch emphasised that the scheme is engineered to meet the institution’s water requirements for the next 15 years.

Scheme scope & capacity

The scheme, titled “Improvement, Extension and Construction of Slow Sand Filtration System for Urban Water Supply,” is tailored to serve 77,165 people.

The project features a comprehensive infrastructure overhaul, starting with a daily supply capacity of 2.546 million gallons per day to serve over 77,000 residents and students for the next 15 years. This includes the installation of heavy-duty pumping machinery ranging from 75 to 130 BHP and the laying of a 1,000-foot, 24-inch diameter rising main from the KB feeder.

Water treatment will be managed through five large RCC filter beds using a slow sand filtration system, supported by alum chambers and hypo-chlorinators to ensure all drinking water meets safety standards. Additionally, the scheme incorporates massive storage and clear water tanks, tens of thousands of feet of new distribution pipelines, and essential site improvements such as 400,000 square feet of paver blocks, solar street lighting, and a 4,180-foot compound wall for security.

The initiative also includes the repair of existing tanks, the construction of a 4,180-foot compound wall, and the installation of solar street lights and modern signage.

“This project is a major step towards improving basic infrastructure and addressing the long-standing water issues faced by students and staff. The government is committed to ensuring sustainable, high-quality water systems across our provincial educational institutions,” said Mr Baloch

The project is expected to be completed within two years. Once operational, it will provide an uninterrupted supply of filtered water to academic blocks, student hostels, and residential quarters.

Vice-Chancellor Dr Fateh Mohammad Marri hailed the decision as a “historic step” by the Sindh government. He noted that the scientifically designed system would not only improve health standards across the campus but also support the university’s future expansion.

Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2026