Karachi, March 22, 2024 – The Karachi Water Summit, organized by the Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project (KWSSIP) in collaboration with the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) and NED’s Hisar-Panjwani Water Institute, proved to be a pivotal gathering aimed at addressing the pressing water challenges faced by the city.
Attended by a diverse array of stakeholders including members of the diplomatic community, government officials, water practitioners, and academia, the Summit served as a platform for fostering dialogue, sharing insights, and catalyzing actionable solutions.
A highlight of the summit was the presentation by the Project Director-KWSSIP Mr. Usman Moazzam, who underscored the importance of extending essential services to Katchi Abadis/informal settlements. The Project Director elaborated on KWSSIP’s initiatives in Katchi Abadis, particularly in Soba Nagar and Essa Nagri, emphasizing a transformative approach through a tripartite agreement involving NGOs, community-based organizations (CBOs), and Katchi Abadi Cell of KWSC. Through this innovative model, the capacity of the Katchi Abadi Cell will be bolstered, enabling local communities to take charge of water and sanitation services in their respective settelments.
The Managing Director/CEO provided an overview of the significant strides made by KWSC, including the reconstitution of a new Board, the enactment of the KWSC Act, and the establishment of a Hydrant Management Cell to combat water theft and equitable distribution of water. Attention was drawn to the ongoing efforts to mitigate Non-Revenue Water (NRW), reflecting a commitment to operational efficiency and sustainability.
The presence and participation of key dignitaries added gravitas to the summit. Mayor of Karachi and Chairman of KWSC, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, delivered an address that underscored the importance of collaborative endeavors in tackling Karachi’s water challenges. His insights reinforced the significance of multi-stakeholder cooperation and underscored the commitment of KWSC’s authorities to address water-related issues comprehensively.
In essence, the Karachi Water Summit 2024 served as a beacon of hope, fostering collaboration, innovation, and actionable strategies to ensure equitable access to water and sanitation services for all residents of Karachi. As stakeholders continue to work together, the summit’s outcomes are poised to catalyze positive change, heralding a future where water scarcity is mitigated, and resilience is fortified.