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 Karachi Water Partnership (KWP)
Launch Event
26 April, 2007
The citizen groups of Karachi have woken up to the water and sewerage nightmare this city has become and have finally joined hands with each other and with the government to do something about it. The Karachi Water Partnership (KWP) was launched on 26th April, with an open call for partnership to NGOs, CBOs, civil society organizations, academic institutions, government institutions, corporate sector organizations, industries and individuals to join in the short and long term efforts needed to meet the challenges of managing water and wastewater in this city of 16 million.
The launch opened with a documentary entitled Water Problems in Karachi. This short powerful documentary highlighted the stark realities of water and wastewater in the city, and showed the contrast between some people lining up to obtain a bucket of water in some parts of the city, and other people wasting what looks like rivers of water in other parts. The documentary was followed by comments from the film maker Mr Sarwar Mushtaq, Chief Executive, Eckova Productions, who presented some calculations about the huge amounts of water that could be conserved by taking simple precautions.
Mr Jawad Habib, member KWP Management Group, then made a presentation entitled A Situation Analysis of Karachi’s Water and Sewerage Problems and Challenges Faced by the City, the main points of which were:
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Karachi’s population is estimated to be between 14.5 to 16 million people, growing at approximately 5% per year
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An estimated 40% of this population is in informal settlements, or kuchi abadis
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The city is spread over 3,530 square kilometers (or 60 x 60 km square)
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Some estimates place Karachi’s population at 32 million by the year 2025
He also presented the current water supply (637 MGD) and current demand (680 MGD) for 2007, projections in this demand and distribution losses and unaccounted for water (35 percent), the water shortfall projection for the next decades and the current wastewater scenario.
The main focus of the Launch of KWP was on an in-depth panel discussion among Dr Emilio Gabbrielli, Executive Secretary of the Global Water Partnership (GWP), Mr Tasneem Siddiqui, Chair of KWP Advisory Council, Brig Iftikhar Haidar, MD KW&SB and Ms Simi Kamal, Chair Hisaar Foundation and Chair KWP Management Group. After short opening statements, the panelists took questions from the participants and there was an open dialogue on issues of water and wastewater in an international context and specifically for Karachi.
A recorded video message of support and cooperation from the Nazim, Mr Syed Mustafa Kamal, was shown at this stage.
Ms Simi Kamal Chairperson Hisaar Foundation and Chair KWP Management Group, then presented the Role of Karachi Water Partnership, its Partners and Proposed KWP Programme. She said that the vision of KWP is a Karachi with safe and sufficient water resources for all essential purposes. Its mission is to support the development of an environment friendly Karachi with focus on safe water, water conservation and better management of wastewater from all sources.
She than presented the short term programme (Jan 2007 – Dec 2008) which is focusing on Institutional Development and Partnership Building:
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Six dialogues with different stakeholder groups
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Advocacy and public awareness programmes through media
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Initiation of school water programme – involving students and teachers
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Guidelines for each stakeholder groups and different socio-economic areas
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Enrolment of 2000 partners
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Research on new solutions and experiences in other urban areas
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Launch of IWRM programme in one selected Town of Karachi for pilot testing based on KWP's approaches
She then discussed the long term programme (Jan 2007-2016) which is designed to concentrate on Solutions for Integrated Water Resources Management:
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Proposals and policy alternatives in view of rising population and demographic realities
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Safe drinking water options and alternatives
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Safe sanitation and hygiene options and alternatives
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Reuse and recycling options and alternatives
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Promoting new technologies
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Advocacy and public awareness programmes through media
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Consultative process with government, through the Nazim’s office and KW&SB to develop a joint strategy for resolving water issues and implementing solutions
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Interacting with government on its policies, plans, projects and actions
She called for all citizen groups to be responsible and proactive and become involved in city affairs, making water everyone’s business. She also called for citizens to ensure that water is conserved and that solid waste and sewerage is disposed responsibly in our homes, work places and public areas. She highlighted KWPs belief that the significant water challenges facing the city can only be overcome by the government, civil society and industry working together.
Her call was answered by a resounding yes, as over 220 participants stood up or raised their hands to join the KWP.
Mr Mohammad Hussain Khan, Sindh Minister for Local Government, Katchi Abadis & Spatial Development, then addressed the gathering. He agreed with KWP’s partnership concept and model and made many commitments to KWP on behalf of the government. These included the placement of one person from City Government on KWP’s Advisory Council, placement of KWP’s representatives on water and wastewater related bodies, committees, commissions, programmes and projects, including Karachi Water &Sewerage Board. He also pledged regular liaison among the city government, local government institutions and KWP, and the involvement of all 18 Town administrations in the work of KWP. New Karachi Town was selected as the first Town where KWP would build its partnership model over the next two years.
The launch of KWP was followed by a workshop on Friday 27th April entitled Water Solutions for Coastal Cities. Nine national and international speakers presented papers based on relevant topics dealing with international experiences, current trends in water and sewerage programmes for Karachi, water quality and water costs.
Detailed launch report available
Report of the Water Solutions Workshop and Papers available
View Event Photos
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