Pindi water projects get Rs33.8b boost

RAWALPINDI:

The Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) has embarked on a major initiative to enhance Rawalpindi's water supply network, thanks to a Rs33.859 billion loan from the Asian Development Bank. The project aims to secure additional water resources and upgrade existing water filtration plants.

In the first phase, two contracts totalling Rs13.559 billion have been awarded. China Construction Third Engineering Group (Private) Limited received a Rs6.36 billion contract for the Chahan Dam Water Treatment Plant. Additionally, Matracon' joint venture has been awarded a Rs7.199 billion contract to upgrade the filtration plant and pumping machinery at Rawal Dam and Khanpur Dam, and to rehabilitate old pipelines to ensure 24-hour water availability in Khayaban-e-Sir Syed.

The second phase will see two additional contracts, amounting to Rs20.3 billion, for further work. These include the installation of a main water line from Chahan Dam to Chak Jalal Din, valued at Rs8.2 billion, and the laying of a distribution network from Chahan Dam, costing Rs12.1 billion. The contractors are required to complete their work within three years.

Once completed, these projects will significantly improve the water supply system for six union councils near Adiala Road and the areas of Khayaban-e-Sir Syed and Rawalpindi city.