CDA Wants to Increase Water Charges Across Islamabad

The Capital Development Authority is planning to increase water and sewerage charges in Islamabad after keeping the rates unchanged since 2018.

The civic agency says it currently recovers only about 20 percent of its water and sanitation expenditure, while the rest is covered through subsidies. Officials say the existing charges are too low compared with the cost of providing services in the capital.

Sources said the CDA Board had already approved the proposed increase in principle last year and a public hearing was later held on the matter. The authority now wants to move ahead with the revised rates based on the hearing process.

An official said the CDA is likely to refer the proposal to the federal cabinet for approval. He said the current charges are “nominal” and do not reflect the actual cost of supply and maintenance.

At present, consumers pay Rs16 per month for 1,000 gallons of water. Government houses in categories A, B and C pay Rs96 per month, while D-type houses pay Rs124.

Private houses up to 250 square yards pay Rs228 per month, and houses measuring 500 to 999 square yards pay Rs280 per month.

The CDA also plans to raise sewerage charges and increase water connection fees.

Islamabad remains a water-stressed city, with no major new water source added to the system in the last three decades. The CDA supplies about 70 million gallons per day, far below the city’s estimated demand of more than 220 million gallons per day.

Officials said the capital’s growing population has increased pressure on existing sources, especially during summer. Many areas, including Ghouri Town and Sector H-13, now depend on private tankers as bore water has become scarce.

The CDA currently relies on Simly Dam, Khanpur Dam and tube wells for supply. Officials said the authority is also working on plans for two new dams and the Ghazi Brotha Scheme, although progress has remained slow over the years.