The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an additional $48 million to boost water-related projects in Balochistan. The funding aims to modernize irrigation, reduce water losses, and improve livelihoods in the province.
The financing will support the Balochistan Water Resources Development Sector Project, focusing on the Zhob and Mula Darya basins. Key components include the Churi Infiltration Gallery, the development of the Siri Toi Dam command area, and watershed management initiatives previously delayed due to budget constraints.
Under the project, a modern piped water distribution system will be installed in the Siri Toi command area. This system will increase efficiency, reduce conveyance losses, and provide better services compared to traditional open channels.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area, faces severe water scarcity, worsened by climate change and frequent droughts. Agriculture, which employs 60% of the population and contributes nearly two-thirds of the provincial economy, depends heavily on reliable water supply.
The project is expected to improve water availability for 1,839 hectares of rain-fed land, supporting sustainable farming and enhancing food security. ADB Country Director for Pakistan, Emma Fan, said the project will create economic opportunities, particularly for women engaged in agriculture.
Once completed, the Siri Toi Dam will store 36 million cubic meters of water and supply 16,592 hectares. Watershed management activities, including afforestation, soil conservation, and check dams, will help control floods and reduce land degradation.
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The additional funding is co-supported by the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific, funded by the Government of Japan through ADB, and the High-Level Technology Fund. These partnerships aim to establish a long-term, climate-resilient water management system in Balochistan, enhancing both efficiency and sustainability.
