The project aims to modernize water and sanitation infrastructure in Sargodha and DG Khan; thereby addressing environmental degradation, promoting sustainable groundwater use, and reducing public health risks. In collaboration with the Government of Pakistan, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) seeks to establish sustainable, inclusive, resilient, gender-responsive, and low-carbon municipal services in both cities. This includes constructing new wastewater treatment plants, upgrading existing water treatment facilities, and expanding water supply and stormwater drainage networks to improve service delivery and climate resilience, among others. To ensure these developments can withstand future climate risks, FutureWater will conduct a comprehensive Climate Risk and Adaptation (CRA) assessment for the water and wastewater investment projects. The findings will guide the design of adaptation strategies and cost estimates, supporting efforts to secure climate financing and enhance long-term sustainability.

With the highest rate of urbanization in South Asia and as one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, Pakistan faces a range of complex challenges, including more frequent and intense flooding, declining economic productivity, and deteriorating public services. Growing dependence on groundwater, coupled with insufficient surface water recharge, is leading to severe localized groundwater depletion.

With support from the Asian Development Bank, the Government of Pakistan aims to upgrade and expand water and sanitation infrastructure in the cities of Sargodha and DG Khan, both of which face significant climate change-related challenges that impact combined drainage and sewer networks. The project has three major outputs:

  1. improving climate-resilient urban infrastructure and services,
  2. enhancing institutional capacity, operational efficiency, and gender inclusiveness of service providers, and
  3. creating greater economic empowerment opportunities for women in the WASH sector.

To assess the exposure and vulnerabilities of project components to potential climate risks, FutureWater will utilize advanced downscaled Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) ensembles, along with relevant hazard data and local information, to conduct a detailed Climate Risk Assessment (CRA). The insights gained will enable the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to implement effective adaptation measures and ensure climate-resilient development.