The National Assembly Standing Committee on Water Resources reviewed progress on the long-delayed K-IV water supply project for Karachi on Wednesday.
It also discussed the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) Security Force Bill, as lawmakers raised concerns over water availability, project delays and security arrangements for major hydropower installations.
The committee addressed a calling attention notice moved by MNA Aminul Haque regarding delays in the K-IV project. Wapda chairman told the committee that the project had earlier suffered due to a shortage of funds but confirmed the Sindh government had now paid its share of Rs7.70 billion.
Minister for Water Resources Moeen Wattoo informed the committee that Rs86 billion had so far been spent on the K-IV project, while another Rs70 billion would be required for its completion.
He said nearly 40% of the work had been completed. The minister added that water distribution falls under the jurisdiction of the provincial government. MNA Syed Waseem Hussain said the tanker mafia remained active in Karachi, forcing residents to purchase water tankers for as much as Rs8,000.
The committee also considered the proposed Wapda Security Force Bill, which aims to create a dedicated force for protecting Wapda projects and installations.
The Wapda chairman said ordinary security guards alone could not ensure security for Wapda Houses and major projects, noting that several strategic projects required specialised protection.
He said Wapda wanted to establish its own security arrangement because the existing system was proving too expensive. According to the proposal, the new force will be recruited on a contract basis and will not be entitled to pension benefits.
The chairman said the force would have powers to arrest individuals within WAPDA projects and installations, after which the suspects would be handed over to the local police. He said the personnel would receive formal training and wear a prescribed uniform.
During the briefing, officials maintained that the existing watchman system had become obsolete and was no longer practical. They said international delegations frequently visited Wapda projects, making it essential to maintain high security standards.
The proposed force will be headed by a director general, while the federal government will have the authority to establish the force and frame all related rules. Officials said the DG could be a retired Grade-20 officer from either the police or the armed forces.
They further informed the committee that all persons arrested by the Wapda Security Force would be handed over to the district police, which would investigate and pursue legal proceedings.
