Islamabad, Dec 14: To provide securely managed water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in the city of Karachi, the World Bank (WB) has approved $240 million in financing for the Second Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project (KWSSIP-2).
In a news release on Friday, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Najy Benhassine stated that “safely managed WASH services are the foundation of public health and quality of life and are central to addressing the stunting crisis in Pakistan.
“The scope of expenditures in bulk water augmentation, water treatment, wastewater treatment and reuse, water distribution, and sewage network repair will be increased by Pakistan’s plan “KWSSIP-2.”Over half a million people live in Katchi Abadis (informal settlements), women will make up around half of all beneficiaries, and youth (ages 15 to 24) would make up 58%, he continued.
In addition to financing and expanding a number of projects to improve Karachi’s water supply, sewerage, sanitation, and treatment infrastructure across the city, the project builds on KWSSIP-1. More than half a million people will also benefit from the improved water and wastewater infrastructure, as well as the expansion of safe drinking water and sanitation services in a number of Katchi Abadis (informal settlements).
The project’s long-term advantages include lower costs associated with using alternate water sources, less time spent gathering water, and improved health due to a decrease in waterborne illnesses.
“KWSSIP-2 will also continue to address the gender gap in employment, representation, and leadership at the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) through gender-inclusive recruitment plans to hire more women in technical and decision-making positions,” stated Khairy Al-Jamal, the project’s task team leader.
“It will facilitate women’s technical training, establish an internship program for recent graduates and provide them with employment opportunities within the utility, and facilitate the advancement of female employees to higher-level roles,” he continued.
By 2030, about 7.5 million people in Karachi will have access to sanitary facilities and a safely managed water supply thanks to the initiative. Additionally, it would enhance KWSC’s operational efficiency and financial viability and encourage private-sector collaborations in WASH delivery.
By 2035, 33.5 million people should have access to securely managed WASH services, and this initiative is the first stage of the [World Bank’s support for the] Pakistan Urban WASH Services Program. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank will provide $240 million to the co-finance of KWSSIP-2. Additionally, $250 million will come from the government, and $269 million is anticipated from the commercial and private sectors.
In order to provide Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services to approximately 100 million people in the region by 2035, this project is a component of the World Bank South Asia regional initiative or program of initiatives.
