Karachi: A Chinese firm, named Energy China, has shown a keen interest in alleviating the water issues prevalent in the city of Karachi, a news source reported. During a meeting held at the Chief Minister (CM) house in Karachi, CM Murad Ali Shah discussed the prospect with a delegation from the Chinese state-owned company.
Members of the meeting discussed the K-IV project, which has been halted temporarily for repair and design changes being conducted by NESPAK. Energy China showed an interest in working on the K-IV project. They were informed that the government was already working with Frontier Works for phase I, so they suggested the collaboration with China be done for phases II and III. The company suggested that if the cost for the project is estimated to be too high, they could include the work under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
There were talks of installing a 100 MGD desalination plant in the city, and a waste water treatment plant for the Malir River so the water can be used for industrial purposes. The company has reportedly also offered to work on improving the supply from the Hub River.
Shah said that Karachi was a very large city that required an estimated amount of 1,200 MGD but was only receiving 500 MGD. He requested that details for the collaboration be worked out as soon as possible to find an estimated cost. The planning and development department was ordered to arrange another meeting with the Chinese firm in order to finalise the recommendations for the collaboration.
