Global lenders explore investment in Pakistan’s port city water infrastructure

A high-level delegation from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the World Bank held discussions with Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KW&SC) officials to explore potential investment in the city’s water infrastructure.

Led by Tiziana Smith from the World Bank and Marco Arena, Loan Officer for Asia and Central Asia at EIB, the delegation included Sanne Zwart, Head of Model Governance Unit at EIB, Peter Szappanos, Senior Engineer at EIB, Waldemar Jastrzemski, Senior Environmental Economist, and Farah Yamin Khan.

KW&SC Managing Director Engineer Asadullah Khan briefed the delegation on recent reforms and development initiatives undertaken by the corporation. The meeting focused on the feasibility of setting up water filtration plants in Pipri, Gharo, and Hub. The officials expressed interest in collaborating with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to enhance Karachi’s water projects.

Representatives from the World Bank and EIB assured financial support, similar to contributions from other global financial institutions, and commended the corporation’s wastewater treatment and recycling programs.

A KW&SC spokesperson stated that the visit was aimed at assessing investment opportunities and determining the scale of possible funding. Notably, this would be the first time the European Investment Bank partners with a water utility in Pakistan.