US delegation shows interest in Karachi’s water infrastructure

A United States (US) delegation on Friday expressed interest in supporting climate change resilient water infrastructure in Karachi.

The delegation represented by the US State Department’s senior international water policy advisor, Dr Rebecca Peters, visited the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) head office. Economic unit chief, Leah Severino, and economic specialist, Qaseem Saeed, of the US Consulate General in Karachi were also part of the delegation.

KWSC chief executive officer Syed Sallahuddin Ahmed and chief operating officer Asadullah Khan gave a detailed briefing to the delegation about the recent initiatives and reforms introduced by the corporation, while showing them the recently established Hydrant Management and Monitoring Centre (HMMC).

According to a press release issued by the KWSC, the purpose of the meeting between the two sides was to explore the opportunities of mutual interest. The meeting reviewed the recent

arrangements and initiatives done by the KWSC to ensure availability and security of water in various areas of the city. Furthermore, the meeting also discussed exchanging of experiences, engagement of sister cities, green environment initiatives, enhancing technical capacity, engagement of US-based companies and climate change resilient water infrastructure.

The US delegation commended the KWSC CEO on establishing the HMMC, conducting a crackdown against illegal water connections and installing the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system in the corporation's network in the city.

The delegates expressed their interest in learning about the opportunities in wastewater treatment and recycling projects in Karachi, while assuring a meaningful engagement in the future.