Monthly Archives: December 2024

Failures of Karachi’s 65 MGD Water Supply Scheme

A Tale of Delays, Cost Overruns, and Poor Planning.

The 65 MGD water supply scheme from Haleji Lake to the Pipri Filter Plant was envisioned as a solution to Karachi’s chronic water shortage, aiming to benefit 1.2 million residents. However, what started as a promising project in 2014 has now turned into a symbol of inefficiency, with delays, cost overruns, and planning flaws bringing progress to a standstill.

The Project Scope

The scheme involves 4 components.

1. Intake Structures and ConduitsConstruction of an intake structure at Haleji Lake with an 84-inch siphon pipe.Development of RCC-lined canals and conduits to transport water to the Gharo Pumping Station.Revival of Haleji Lake and remodeling of the Reservoir Branch Canal.

2. Rising Main PipelineInstallation of a 72-inch mild steel pipeline to convey water to a forebay chamber.

3. Pumping House at GharoInstallation of a 65 MGD capacity pumping house with modern equipment.

4. Conduit to Pipri Filter PlantConstruction of an RCC conduit to complete the water delivery system.

Challenges and Delays

The project faced significant obstacles, starting with its design phase. The original cost estimate of Rs. 5,978.69 million proved insufficient, with issues such as:Underestimated costs for pumping stations.Non-availability of locally manufactured PRCC pipes.Dependence on imported materials due to the closure of Pakistan Steel Mills.These factors led to cost escalations and delays, culminating in a revised cost estimate of Rs. 11,165.80 million by 2018.

Project Stagnation

Despite awarding contracts for Packages 1 and 3 in 2018, work on Package 2, which involved the pumping station, remained unresolved. Contractors faced issues due to unprecedented inflation, demanding rate revisions that were beyond contractual provisions.

As of now, Rs. 1,156.62 million has been spent on Packages 1 and 3, with contractors filing claims amounting to Rs. 292.33 million for unpaid dues.

Water Availability Concerns

A major hurdle is the non-availability of 65 MGD water from Keenjhar Lake. The irrigation department’s conditional NOC requires the KB Feeder’s lining, estimated at Rs. 39 billion, to save water from seepage.

However, the ongoing K4 project, vital for increasing water supply, has yet to achieve its targets. Additionally, expanding Keenjhar Lake would cost Rs. 80 billion, further complicating the project’s feasibility. Protected water allocations for Thatta, along with federal rejections of additional allocations, exacerbate the issue.

Mismanagement and Lack of Planning

The project’s suspension in 2019 was justified due to unresolved water availability issues, yet work resumed without addressing these challenges. This lack of foresight has resulted in mounting costs, with no tangible results to show.The project, initially planned for completion in 18 months, remains unfinished a decade later. It stands as a stark reminder of poor planning and mismanagement in public infrastructure projects.ConclusionThe 65 MGD water supply scheme from Haleji to the Pipri Filter Plant reflects systemic issues in Karachi’s water management. Despite spending over Rs. 1.15 billion, Karachi’s residents continue to face acute water shortages. Without immediate corrective action, the project risks becoming another abandoned venture, failing to deliver on its promise to the city.