The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an additional $48 million in financing to push forward key components of the Balochistan Water Resources Development Sector Project, offering critical support to Pakistan’s largest and most water-stressed province.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, ADB said the fresh funds would help complete several delayed components — including the Churi Infiltration Gallery, development of the Siri Toi Dam command area, and multiple watershed management initiatives — all of which stalled earlier due to budget constraints.
According to the lender, these measures are essential for improving irrigation efficiency, promoting sustainable water use, and tackling soil erosion caused by recurring floods. As part of the upgraded plan, the Siri Toi command area will also receive a modern piped water distribution system, replacing traditional open channels to reduce water losses and deliver more reliable service to farmers.
The project builds upon earlier progress aimed at strengthening irrigation networks and improving water resource management in Balochistan — a province grappling with chronic water shortages worsened by climate pressures. Agriculture remains the backbone of its economy, accounting for almost two-thirds of provincial output and employing about 60% of the population. Yet years of drought, weak water management capacity, and climate vulnerability continue to threaten livelihoods, leaving poverty rates nearly double the national average.
“This additional financing will support livelihoods and create better economic opportunities, particularly for women working in agriculture,” ADB Country Director for Pakistan Emma Fan said. She added that the broader project focuses on the Zhob and Mula river basins, regions vital to the province’s agriculture-dependent communities.
Once completed, the Siri Toi Dam in the Zhob basin will be able to store 36 million cubic meters of water, significantly improving year-round availability for both domestic and agricultural use across more than 16,500 hectares. This includes nearly 1,800 hectares under khushkaba — traditional rainwater harvesting systems.
To ensure long-term sustainability, the project also integrates watershed restoration measures such as afforestation, soil conservation, and check-dam construction to slow land degradation and improve flood control across the dam’s catchment area.
The ongoing initiative is being cofinanced by the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific and the High-Level Technology Fund, both administered by ADB. Together, they aim to develop a climate-resilient, sustainable water management framework that can secure Balochistan’s future amid growing environmental and economic challenges.
