Karachi: In a recent meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Water Resources, chaired by Senator Saifullah Khan Abro, serious concerns were raised regarding the ongoing delays and cost escalations of the Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme, also known as the K-IV Project. Despite the project’s significance for Karachi’s water supply, the Committee noted that progress has been unsatisfactory.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the meeting, held in Karachi on May 4, 2026, was attended by multiple senators who voiced apprehensions over transparency, the quality of work, and fund utilization in the project. Officials informed the Committee that while 70-80 percent of the project is reportedly complete, costs have ballooned from an initial estimate of Rs. 25 billion to Rs. 171 billion. The Committee questioned the absence of accountability for repeated design changes and the lack of action against consultants responsible for the initial design.

WAPDA, which took charge of the project in April 2021, has attributed the cost increase to factors such as exchange rate fluctuations and reliance on imported components. The project is now slated for completion by 2026, contingent on funding availability. The Committee expressed concern over issues raised by the World Bank about transparency and pipeline work quality and intends to engage with the World Bank and transparency organizations for input.

Members of the Committee highlighted systemic delays in federal projects across Sindh and stressed the necessity of addressing root causes, including land acquisition and security challenges. They mandated detailed contractor and consultant information to ensure transparency and accountability.

The Committee recommended prioritizing fund releases for the project and involving ECNEC for necessary approvals. It also called for collaboration with the Planning and Development Division and urged the Government of Sindh to expedite its financial contributions.

Additionally, the Committee received a briefing on the Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project (KWSSIP), a crucial component of the K-IV Project, with an estimated cost of Rs. 71.5 billion. Completion is anticipated by December 2028, with possible extensions to 2029. The Committee requested detailed progress updates in future meetings.

Chairman Abro emphasized the importance of timely project completion to alleviate public frustration over delays and costs, urging stronger stakeholder coordination. The Committee resolved to closely monitor the project on a quarterly basis, maintaining its commitment to transparency, accountability, and public interest in completing the K-IV Project.