Balochistan water project: ADB approves USD48m more loan

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday approved an additional USD48 million loan to Pakistan for the Balochistan Water Resources Development Sector Project, aiming to address critical water management challenges in the province. The funding will enable the completion of key project components, including the Churi Infiltration Gallery subproject, the development of the Siri Toi Dam command area, and watershed management activities, all of which had been delayed due to budget constraints. These initiatives are crucial for improving irrigation efficiency, promoting sustainable water use, and combating soil erosion exacerbated by floods. A key feature of the project is the introduction of a new piped water distribution network in the Siri Toi command area, designed to increase efficiency, reduce conveyance losses, and improve service delivery compared to traditional open-channel systems.