ADB Increases Funding for Balochistan Water Project to Address Scarcity
Teh Asian progress Bank (ADB) has approved an additional $48 million in funding for the Balochistan Water Resources Development Sector Project (BWRDSP), bringing the total loan component to $148 million. This builds upon previous approvals from the Central Development Working Party in September and the Executive Commitee of the National Economic Council earlier this week.
The BWRDSP, valued at Rs49.9 billion (approximately $177 million), focuses on developing water resources in the Zhob and Mula river basins. Funding is comprised of the ADB loan, a $5 million ADB grant, and a $34.37 million contribution from the Pakistani government.
The additional funds will be allocated to complete key project components previously delayed due to budget limitations. These include the Churi Infiltration Gallery subproject, development of the Siri Toi Dam command area, and crucial watershed management activities.These efforts aim to improve irrigation efficiency, promote enduring water use, and mitigate soil erosion, especially from flood events.
A key innovation of the project is the introduction of a piped water distribution network in the Siri Toi command area, designed to reduce water loss and improve delivery compared to traditional open-channel systems. Once completed, the Siri Toi Dam is projected to store 36 million cubic meters of water, enhancing water security for both domestic and agricultural use across 16,592 hectares, including 1,839 hectares utilizing rainwater harvesting techniques.
The project also incorporates long-term sustainability measures, including afforestation, soil conservation, and the construction of check dams within the dam’s catchment area to combat land degradation and improve flood management.
the BWRDSP is intended to address severe water scarcity in Balochistan,a challenge compounded by economic difficulties and the impacts of climate change.agriculture is central to the province’s economy, contributing two-thirds of its output and employing 60% of its 13 million residents. However, frequent droughts and limited water management capacity threaten livelihoods, with regional poverty rates exceeding the national average.
according to ADB Country Director for Pakistan, emma Fan, the project will support livelihoods and create economic opportunities, particularly for women involved in agriculture. The project is also co-financed by the Japan Fund for prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific, and the High Level Technology Fund.
Ultimately, the BWRDSP aims to establish a climate-resilient and sustainable water resource management system in Balochistan, ensuring long-term benefits for the province.
