Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, in a meeting with World Bank Country Director Naje Benhasin, laid out extensive plans to enhance water storage and environmental sustainability in Karachi. The initiatives include significant upgrades to Kenjhar Lake and the surrounding infrastructure to bolster water supply for the city.

According to Chief Minister Sindh, the collaboration with the World Bank aims to address Karachi’s growing water needs by expanding Kenjhar Lake and upgrading the KB feeder lower canal system, with a projected cost of around $300 million. Additionally, the Sindh Water and Agriculture Transformation Project (SWAT) will pursue the modernization of the right bank canals of the Sukkur Barrage, estimated at $200 million.

The discussions also covered the broader Sindh Water Sector Improvement Project (WSIP), which includes not only infrastructural enhancements but also social and environmental projects to promote sustainable development. This meeting further discussed the 10-Year Strategic Plan for 2025-34, developed in partnership with the World Bank, which focuses on reducing child stunting, improving education, combating climate change, decarbonizing the economy, and creating job opportunities.

Specific goals of the strategic plan include enhancing access to healthcare and nutrition, bolstering the education system, making agriculture more resilient to climate change, and transitioning to sustainable energy sources. Transport Minister Sharjeel Memon and Energy Minister Nasir Shah provided updates on current initiatives such as the addition of 50 electric buses to the People’s Bus Service and the development of solar parks.

The next steps involve a detailed re-evaluation of these projects to ensure thorough preparation and alignment with the goals outlined in the strategic plan.