The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an additional $48 million loan for the Balochistan Water Resources Development Sector Project, aimed at accelerating delayed components and boosting water security in Pakistan’s largest province.
In its statement on Wednesday, ADB said the extra financing will help complete critical elements of the project that were delayed due to budget constraints. These include the Churi Infiltration Gallery subproject, the development of the Siri Toi Dam command area, and essential watershed management activities.
ADB emphasised that these components are necessary to enhance irrigation efficiency, promote sustainable water use, and reduce soil erosion caused by recurring floods in the region.
As part of the project, an innovative piped water distribution network will be introduced in the Siri Toi command area. Unlike traditional open channels, this system will offer greater efficiency, lower water losses, and improved service delivery, the bank said.
Boosting Water Security in a Climate-Stressed Province
The additional financing builds on earlier project achievements aimed at strengthening irrigation systems and improving water resource management in Balochistan, a region facing acute water scarcity, economic vulnerability, and the impacts of climate change.
Agriculture remains central to Balochistan’s economy, contributing nearly two-thirds of provincial output and employing 60% of the province’s 13 million residents. Yet, repeated droughts, weak water management capacity, and climatic pressures have left livelihoods at risk, with poverty levels nearly twice the national average.
According to ADB Country Director for Pakistan Emma Fan, the project—focused on the Zhob and Mula river basins—will create livelihood opportunities and provide economic support, especially for women involved in agriculture.
Siri Toi Dam to Transform Water Availability
Upon completion, the Siri Toi Dam in the Zhob river basin will provide a storage capacity of 36 million cubic meters, significantly improving access to reliable water. The enhanced system will support efficient and equitable water supply for domestic and agricultural use across 16,592 hectares, including 1,839 hectares under khushkaba (rainwater harvesting) systems.
To improve sustainability, the project also integrates watershed management measures, such as:
- afforestation,
- soil conservation,
- construction of check dams,
aimed at reducing land degradation and strengthening flood management.
International Support for Sustainable Water Management
The broader project is cofinanced by the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific—supported by the Government of Japan—and the High-Level Technology Fund. The goal is to establish a climate-resilient, efficient, and sustainable water resource management system in Balochistan, ensuring long-term benefits for communities across the province.
