WB approves $240 mln to support water, sanitation services
ISLAMABAD: The World Bank (WB) has approved $240 million in funding for the Second Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project (KWSSIP-2) to enhance the provision of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in Karachi.
“Safely managed WASH services are fundamental to public health and quality of life and play a vital role in addressing Pakistan’s stunting crisis,” stated Najy Benhassine, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan, in a press release.Pakistan, Algeria to boost ties in IT, Telecom sector
KWSSIP-2 aims to expand investments in bulk water supply, water treatment, wastewater treatment and reuse, water distribution, and the rehabilitation of sewer networks. Notably, around 50% of beneficiaries will be women, 58% youth (ages 15–24), and over half a million residents of informal settlements (Katchi Abadis), according to Benhassine.
Building on the foundation of KWSSIP-1, the project will strengthen Karachi’s water and sanitation infrastructure and improve service delivery across the city. It will also expand access to safe drinking water and sanitation services in Katchi Abadis, directly benefiting over half a million residents.
Key long-term benefits include reduced reliance on alternative water sources, less time spent fetching water, and a decline in waterborne diseases, improving public health.
Task Team Leader Khairy Al-Jamal emphasized KWSSIP-2’s focus on reducing gender gaps within the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC). The project will implement gender-inclusive recruitment plans, provide technical training for women, and institutionalize internship programs to increase women’s representation in technical and leadership roles. Additionally, efforts will be made to promote women to higher-grade positions within KWSC.
By 2030, the project will deliver safely managed water to nearly 16 million residents and sanitation services to approximately 7.5 million people in Karachi. It will also enhance KWSC’s performance, financial sustainability, and partnerships with private-sector entities in WASH service delivery.
KWSSIP-2 is a crucial element of the Pakistan Urban WASH Services Program, which aims to provide safely managed WASH services to 33.5 million people nationwide by 2035. The project is co-financed by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) with $240 million, alongside $250 million in government contributions and $269 million in anticipated private-sector financing.
This initiative is part of a larger World Bank South Asia regional program targeting improved WASH services for 100 million people across the region by 2035.
