The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an additional $48 million in financing for Pakistan to scale up the Balochistan Water Resources Development Sector Project (BWRDSP), further strengthening efforts to build climate-resilient, technology-driven water management systems in the province.
According to an ADB statement, the supplementary funds will support the ongoing water resources project in Balochistan, which blends new infrastructure, data-driven governance, and climate-smart solutions. The initiative includes co-financing from the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific, as well as the High-Level Technology Fund.
Modern Piped Water System to Reduce Wastage
The project aims to introduce a modern piped water supply system, significantly reducing water losses in one of Pakistan’s most water-stressed regions. Balochistan, the country’s largest and driest province, relies heavily on agriculture — with 75% of its rural population dependent on the sector and 60% of the provincial economy linked to it.
Major Development in Zhob and Mula River Basins
In September, Pakistan’s Central Development Working Party (CDWP) cleared the Rs49.9 billion development plan for the Zhob and Mula river basins. The financing structure at the time included:
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$148m ADB loan (78.99%)
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$5m ADB grant (2.67%)
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$34.37m government contribution (18.34%)
Once completed, the Siri Toi Dam in the Zhob River basin is expected to offer a storage capacity of 36 million cubic metres, vastly improving reliable water availability for local communities.
Boosting Climate Resilience & Local Livelihoods
Balochistan faces severe challenges due to water scarcity, groundwater depletion, erratic rainfall, and climate impacts. The additional financing is projected to enhance water availability for 1,839 hectares of rain-fed agricultural land.
The project also incorporates a gender-focused component, providing employment and economic opportunities for women in the Zhob and Mula river basin areas.
ADB’s Broader Support for Pakistan
Just last week, the ADB approved a separate $330 million package to help Pakistan expand and modernise its high-voltage power transmission network, enabling a more efficient flow of clean and low-cost energy across the national grid.
