Sukkur Mayor Briefs Bilawal Bhutto on Clean Water, Climate and Infrastructure Projects
SUKKUR, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Sukkur Mayor Barrister Arsalan Islam Shaikh has briefed Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on a series of urban development initiatives aimed at improving drinking water supplies, wastewater management, climate resilience and public infrastructure in the Sindh city.
The briefing took place in Karachi on Thursday, October 8, with the mayor outlining ongoing projects and proposals intended to improve public services and support sustainable urban development.
Shaikh, who also serves as a Sindh government spokesperson, highlighted urban planning, environmental protection and access to clean drinking water as key priorities.
Clean Drinking Water Project Awaits Approval
One of the major proposals discussed was a clean drinking water initiative structured through a public-private partnership.
The mayor said the project was designed to benefit approximately 650,000 residents and more than 100,000 households across Sukkur.
However, the initiative is still awaiting approval from the relevant public-private partnership policy board.
The proposed beneficiary figures represent the project’s intended coverage rather than the number of people already receiving water through the scheme.
Wastewater Treatment and Indus River Protection
Shaikh also outlined efforts to improve wastewater management and protect the River Indus.
He claimed that more than 50% of Sukkur’s domestic wastewater is currently treated before being discharged into the river.
The mayor said the next phase of the wastewater treatment programme would aim to achieve full treatment coverage.
The city administration is also pursuing measures to protect the river’s ecosystem, including conservation efforts involving Indus River dolphins and freshwater turtles.
The current treatment percentage and the feasibility of reaching full coverage have not been independently verified.
Climate Projects and Urban Infrastructure
The mayor reported securing a $2 million grant for climate-resilient development initiatives intended to protect low-income families, informal settlements and other vulnerable communities from extreme heat and climate-related risks.
He said work on developing the investment model was expected to begin in November, with international experts participating in the process.
The city’s development plans also include urban forestry, tree planting, water conservation and infrastructure designed to reduce the effects of high temperatures.
Another project discussed was the Gadani Phatak overhead bridge, which is expected to connect two talukas of Sukkur.
The mayor estimated that the bridge could improve mobility for approximately 350,000 residents once completed.
No confirmed completion date was provided.
Women’s Recreation Facility Planned
Shaikh also outlined a proposed recreational and social facility for women, known as Ladies World.
The planned development would include a walking track, swimming pool, gymnasium, library and other amenities.
The project is intended to provide women with a dedicated space for recreation, physical activity and community engagement.
The briefing highlighted the Sukkur administration’s development priorities, although several initiatives remain at the planning or approval stage.
Funding arrangements, implementation schedules and independently measured project outcomes will be important in determining how these proposals translate into public benefits.
