The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an additional $48 million loan for the Balochistan Water Resources Development Sector Project in Pakistan. This funding will complete critical components of the project, including the Churi Infiltration Gallery subproject, development of the Siri Toi Dam command area, and watershed management activities, which had been delayed due to budgetary constraints. These measures aim to enhance irrigation efficiency, promote sustainable water use, and mitigate soil erosion caused by floods.
A piped water distribution network will also be introduced in the Siri Toi command area, offering higher efficiency, reduced conveyance losses, and improved service delivery compared to traditional open-channel systems. The additional financing builds on previous project successes in strengthening irrigation infrastructure and improving water resource management in Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area, which faces severe water scarcity worsened by economic challenges and climate impacts.
Agriculture forms the backbone of Balochistan’s economy, contributing nearly two-thirds of the province’s output and employing 60% of its 13 million residents. Frequent droughts, water management limitations, and climate vulnerabilities have put livelihoods at risk, with poverty rates in the region nearly double the national average. According to ADB Country Director for Pakistan, Emma Fan, the project supports livelihoods and creates improved economic opportunities, particularly for women engaged in agriculture.
Once completed, the Siri Toi Dam in the Zhob river basin will have a storage capacity of 36 million cubic meters, ensuring reliable water availability for domestic and agricultural use across 16,592 hectares, including 1,839 hectares under khushkaba rainwater harvesting systems. The project also incorporates watershed management measures, such as afforestation, soil conservation, and check dams, to reduce land degradation and improve flood management within the dam’s catchment area.
The project is cofinanced 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. It aims to establish a climate-resilient and sustainable water resource management system in Balochistan, ensuring long-term benefits for the province.
ADB, a leading multilateral development bank, supports inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners, ADB employs innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and protect the environment. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members, including 50 from the region.
