Historic moment: Gilgit gets its first-ever sewerage system project

In what marks a historic moment, the scenic mountainous town of Gilgit is gearing up for its first-ever sewerage and sanitation project. This initiative signals a pivotal shift towards environmental conservation and improved public health.

Nearly half a million people in the town will benefit from the project which will be completed by the end of 2025.

“For years, Gilgit has grappled with the absence of essential infrastructure, despite being blessed with abundant natural resources like fresh water sources, lakes, and springs,” said former chief minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman who was instrumental in having the project designed back in 2015 during the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) tenure.

“Lack of the sewerage system not only marred the aesthetic appeal of Gilgit city but also posed serious health risks to its residents, who have had to contend with polluted water sources,” he added.

An excavator digs a passage for Gilgit's sewerage and sanitation project. PHOTO: EXPRESS

In this phase, the sewerage and sanitary system project will cover the area from Baseen to Bab-e-Gilgit (package - I& II) and from Tablighi Markaz to Nagar Colony Konodas (package III).

The project has been met with enthusiasm and optimism from the local community, who recognise its potential to improve their quality of life.

"We've long awaited a solution to our sanitation woes, and this project gives us hope for a cleaner and healthier future," said resident Amin Khan. "For too long, unfortunately, we've had to contend with inadequate infrastructure," shares Khan, echoing the sentiments of many.

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Spearheading this endeavour is Project Director, Shafqat Ali, who brings both expertise and dedication to the table. "This project will solve our sanitation requirements for a long time," remarks Ali, emphasising the project's significance for the town's residents. "This project will not only address environmental concerns but also ensure access to clean drinking water, which is essential for public health."

However, initial concerns regarding the size of the pipeline were raised, particularly on social media. Addressing these concerns, Shafqat Ali assures the public that the infrastructure has been designed to accommodate the town's growing needs.

The whole collection system contains a 209 km long sewer pipeline network, said the project director, adding the sewer pipe sizes range from 8 inches to 40 inches.

Project Director Shafqat Ali is leading Gilgit's first-ever sewerage and sanitation project. PHOTO: EXPRESS

The pipe network consists of tertiary sewers to main trunk sewers. The initial eight-inch pipeline is just the beginning and will collect sewage from houses and the pipe network sizes increase with the increase of sewage quantity, he explains.

The entire sanitary sewage of the project area will be conveyed through a sewer pipe network system to Mechanical Sewage Treatment Plant with a capacity of 4 MGPD for treatment, enabling its reuse.

An excavator digs a passage so pipes to be laid for Gilgit's sewerage and sanitation project. PHOTO: EXPRESS