WB approves a $240 million loan for Pakistan to upgrade the water and sewer systems in Karachi.

The second phase of enhancing Karachi’s water and sewerage facilities will be funded by a $240 million loan granted by the World Bank for Pakistan. By improving the water supply and treating wastewater, the initiative hopes to make a substantial contribution to sustainable urban development.

Najy Benhassine, Country Director of the World Bank, stated that the initiative will increase investments in water distribution and sewerage network rehabilitation. It is anticipated that the project will supply 7.5 million people with sewerage services and safe water to about 16 million Karachi inhabitants by 2030.

Give Public Health and Women’s Inclusion Priority
According to the World Bank, by guaranteeing safe and well-organized water and sanitation services, the project would raise living standards and public health. Among the beneficiaries are 58% of young people aged 15-24 and over 500,000 residents of informal settlements.

Gender equity is also emphasized by the effort. Through the creation of opportunities for women in technical and decision-making roles, it seeks to close the gender gap in employment, representation, and leadership within the sewage corporation. In order to facilitate the recruitment of more women in utility services and their advancement to senior positions, the project will also formalize an internship program for recent female graduates.

The Crisis of Malnutrition: A Response
By providing access to clean water and sanitation, the World Bank emphasized that this initiative would be crucial in addressing Pakistan’s malnutrition epidemic. In order to make service delivery more sustainable and secure, the program will also encourage private sector involvement.

This action represents a major advancement in tackling Karachi’s long-standing water and sanitation issues, strengthening urban services, and promoting public health.