KARACHI – The Karachi K-IV bulk water supply project is facing significant delays due to insufficient federal funding. Despite over 63% of the project being completed, the government’s allocation of Rs 3.2 billion for the current fiscal year falls far short of the Rs 40 billion required to keep the project on track.
Originally scheduled for completion around mid-2019, the project has been repeatedly delayed due to escalating costs, bureaucratic hurdles, and funding shortfalls. The total cost estimate has surged from Rs 25.5 billion to as high as Rs 150 billion.
The ongoing funding gaps threaten to prolong Karachi’s severe water crisis, leaving millions without adequate water supply. Political leaders and experts have criticized the limited budget allocation, calling it symbolic and insufficient for meaningful progress.
Tensions persist between the federal and Sindh provincial governments, with Sindh urging quicker release of funds and faster execution of project components. Officials warn that without proper funding, the project’s completion could be delayed by another decade.
Authorities remain hopeful that with increased and timely funding, the remaining work can be completed within a year. However, until financial and administrative issues are resolved, Karachi’s water woes are likely to continue.
