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China,Pakistan : AIIB Commits USD112 Million to Improve Transport and Water Services in Karachi
Publish Date : 22-Nov-2019
Residents across Karachi will have greater access to basic services following recent investments by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to improve the citys transport and water services.
AIIBs President Jin Liqun approved a USD71.81-million loan for a project that will provide an efficient and sustainable public transport system in Pakistans economic hub. The Karachi Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project includes the construction of the Karachi Red Line BRT Corridor and associated facilities, as well as the establishment of BRT operations. An estimated 1.5 million people living within a one-kilometer radius from the BRT corridor and off-corridor services will directly benefit once the project is completed. The citys air quality is also expected to improve, and greenhouse gas emissions reduced as passengers switch from private cars and motorcycles to the new BRT system.
AIIBs latest investment in the megacity comes on the heels of a USD40-million loan approved by its Board of Directors in October to improve Karachis water services, bringing the Banks overall financial commitment to Pakistan to USD512 million.
This loan is geared toward upgrading the Karachi Water and Sewerage Boards (KWSB) efficiency and sustainability. Once fully operational, an estimated two million residents will benefit from better customer service and reduced water losses.
KWSB provides Karachi 650 million gallons of water per day, only about half of the citys total needs. Due to inadequate water availability, rationing and leakages are widespread.
Key components of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project include strengthening KWSBs technical and managerial capacity and operational performance, rehabilitating existing infrastructure and supporting contract management.
The project will pay special attention to ensure women and children will benefit from the improved services.
Since AIIB began operations in 2016, four projects spanning key economic sectors have been approved in Pakistan. AIIB has also provided a Special Fund grant of USD0.5 million for the preparation of the Lahore Water and Wastewater Management project.
AIIB has a steadily growing investment portfolio in Pakistan, which is closely aligned with the countrys national development priorities, said AIIB Vice President and Chief Administration Officer Luky Wuryanto. The Bank will continue to strengthen efforts to improve institutions, services and infrastructure, which will certainly have a positive impact on economic growth and peoples livelihoods.
