RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has formulated an ambitious annual development program (ADP) worth Rs51.85 billion for the upcoming fiscal year, which has been submitted to the Punjab government for approval.
The ADP encompasses several significant projects, including the provision of water supply from the Indus River to Rawalpindi and Islamabad. It also includes new development schemes for water supply in the current year and the following year.
The proposed development schemes for the next year alone account for Rs. 41.5 billion in the ADP.
Among the noteworthy projects, Rs. 1.2 billion has been allocated for the land acquisition of the Dadocha Dam Water Supply Project, while Rs. 2.3 billion has been set aside for the initial phase of bringing water from the Indus River to Ghazi Barotha.
The cost of this project will be shared between the Capital Development Authority (CDA), WASA, and the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board. The first phase is expected to be completed by 2028.
Additionally, the ADP includes provisions such as Rs. 900 million for the water supply scheme of union councils (UCs) 76, 77, and 78, and Rs. 80 million for the water supply pipelines of UCs 75, 77, and 78.
Besides, the water supply scheme for UCs 80, 81, and 82 will cost Rs. 80 million.
WASA’s plans also feature an allocation of Rs. 1.43 billion for the first phase of constructing four sewage treatment plants near Rawal Lake, scheduled to be completed by 2025.
Furthermore, Rs. 200 million will be utilized for water supply schemes in other colonies, including Kehkashan Colony.
A separate project aiming to supply water from Khanpur Dam to underground water storage tanks in UCs 6, 7, and 9 will require Rs. 75 million.
Other projects in the ADP include Rs. 392 million for the New Chakra drainage system, Rs. 255 million for the drainage system of Dhaman Syedan, Rs. 350 million for the water supply system of Girja, Rs. 215 million for the improvement of the water supply scheme in Kalyal, and an additional Rs. 250 million for the enhancement of the drainage system in UC Kalyal.
To improve sewerage and drainage in UCs 5-12, Rs195 million has been allocated, along with an equal amount for sewerage in Asghar Mall Scheme.
Moreover, the budget includes Rs. 100 million for the improvement and maintenance of sewerage in UCs 16 and 17.
Source: Tribune
