ADB Funding Boost for Balochistan Water Development
ADB funding Balochistan increases as the bank approves another $48 million for the province. The support strengthens the Water Resources Development Sector Project. It also aims to upgrade irrigation and water systems across key areas.
The new financing allows the completion of delayed development tasks. For example, it covers the Churi Infiltration Gallery and the Siri Toi Dam command area. In addition, it supports watershed management to reduce soil loss and improve long term stability.
Water Systems
The project will introduce a modern piped water distribution system in the Siri Toi command area. This technology will reduce transport losses and support communities with reliable supply. Therefore, it will help replace inefficient open channels.
ADB Country Director for Pakistan Emma Fan highlighted the project’s wider benefits. She explained that the plan will support livelihoods and open economic opportunities. Women in agriculture will especially gain from improved water access.
She added that the Zhob and Mula river basins remain vulnerable to climate pressure. These regions face water scarcity that often harms farming families. However, the project aims to ease these challenges with better planning and new systems.
Agriculture shapes Balochistan’s economy and employs a large share of the population. Yet droughts and weak water management continue to hurt productivity. As a result, poverty remains high and affects many households.
The Siri Toi Dam will store 36 million cubic metres of water once completed. This reservoir will improve supply for local households and farmlands across 16,592 hectares. It also includes 1,839 hectares using khushkaba, a traditional rainwater harvesting method.
Watershed initiatives will further strengthen resilience. Activities include soil conservation, tree planting and the construction of check dams. These efforts help reduce land degradation and protect communities from floods.
The Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific will cofinance the project. The High Level Technology Fund is also contributing. Together, these partners support long term climate preparedness in the province.
The broader goal is clear. The initiative aims to build a sustainable and climate resilient water system for Balochistan. Therefore, it will help communities secure better futures and stronger economic foundations.
