Greater Sewerage Plan again delayed

KARACHI - The Greater Karachi Sewerage Plan S-III project is likely to take some time to initiate as due to some technical reasons and funds delay, The Nation learnt on Sunday. The sources said that the issue of providing funds for this most important project of the City has been resolved as federal government, KPT, and Sindh government, would provide funds for the project. Sources said that due to some technical reasons keeping in view the importance of the project, S-III would take some time to start the project but confirmed that there is no big hurdle in the implementation of this project. They observed that after resolving the technical issues of the project S-III should be started within two to three months. A high official of the project mentioned that final touches are being given to the project. The status of total sewage generated in Karachi city is 435 MGD, while the total capacity of sewage of KWSBs treatment is 151 MGD but actually sewage treated is 90 MGD, sources said. The objectives of the S-III project is to protect and improve environment conditions in City by enhancing the treatment facilities including to maintain ecological balance and sea front of Karachi. It was proposed that 150 MGD existing sewage generated in S-III project to save the citizens from unhygienic environment and health related issues. KWSB officials said that the features of the project was to construct of sewage treatment plants at Korangi Shah Faisal, Shorab Goth, North Karachi and Mai-Kolachi and up-gradation of existing STP-I, STP-II AND STP-III. It is pertinent to note that the project has been approved by ECNEC and is scheduled to be completed in 48 months. A joint venture of M/s Techno Consultant International (PAK), M/s Ws Atkins international (UK) and NESPAK has been appointed as a consultant of the project. Some hindrances are causing delay in the project such as 465 acres of land already allotted to KWSB and earmarked for Korangi Sewage Treatment Plant has not yet been cleared the title of the land. Fifty acres of land each has been identified for new sewage treatment plants at Shah Faisal Colony, Sohrab Goth and Mai Kolachi.