KARACHI: A high level delegation from the World Bank and the European Investment Bank (EIB)   held discussions with the Managing Director Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KW&SC) Engineer Asadullah Khan to explore potential investment in the city’s water infrastructure.

The 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. Managing Director KW&SC, Engineer Asadullah Khan briefed the delegation on recent reforms and development initiatives undertaken by the KW&SC. The meeting focused on the feasibility of setting up water filtration plants in Pipri, Gharo, and Hub Filter Plant. The EIB expressed keen interest in collaborating with the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on potential projects for the KW&SC.

The Representatives from the World Bank and EIB assured financial support, similar to contributions from other global financial institutions, and commended the corporation’s water filtration plants, wastewater treatment, efficient infrastructure 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.