KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has finally approved Rs 25 billion ‘Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme K-IV’ and directed the local government department to sign agreement with FWO to start work on package-I on war footings. The chief minister issued these orders while presiding over a meeting on K-IV project at CM House on Thursday. The meeting was attended by provincial ministers, Syed Murad Ali Shah, Jam Khan Shoro, Chief Secretary Siddique Memon, Principal Secretary Alammuddin Bullo, ACS (Dev), Mohammad Waseem, Secretary Finance, Sohail Rajput, Secretary Local government, Baqaullah Unar and others. While briefing the Sindh chief minister, Local Government Minister Jam Khan Shoro said that package-I of K-IV project includes intake structure, canal conduit, siphons, converters and so on and it would cost Rs 15.254 billion. He said, “We have held meetings with FWO authorities and have to come to conclusion that work on this package can be started if the chief minister approves it.” He requested the chief minister to approve 15 percent interest free advanced mobilisation on insurance bond and SRB. He said 15 percent advance would be Rs 2.2 billion and the funds are available with the project. The chief minister approved the proposal and directed the local government minister to ensure start of the work. It may be noted that in the Rs 25.551 billion K-IV project, the federal government would share 50 percent of the total cost. The Sindh chief minister said that the K-IV project was actually conceived in 2007 but the government at the time could not start it. He said, “Now, I have made commitment with the people of Karachi that I would provide them water and I am adamant to fulfill my commitment.” Senior Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said that he has also discussed the project with FWO and they are also ready to complete the project within two years. Sindh Chief minister Qaim Ali Shah asked the provincial ministers of finance and local government to make necessary arrangements for signing the agreement. The CM said, “This would be a way forward and renewal of our commitment and the commitment of the FWO with us.”