Ramzan Sajid, spokesperson CDA, said PC-1 pertaining to the project for repairing of existing and laying down new pipelines has been provided to the federal government for approval.
“Both the projects will be worked upon simultaneously,” he said.
While Islamabad faces water shortage of 44 million gallons, 60 per cent of the water available goes to waste due to leakage in main water supply lines, he added.
A social activist, Bilal Tanveer said, “The issue is not just to bring water to the capital. Distribution is also a major issue. The water pipes are old and damaged and it’s better to replace and rehabilitate the system. What is the point if the water will end up being wasted?
After laying down of the new pipelines, water from Ghazi Brotha Dam would also be shared with Rawalpindi, which falls under the Punjab Government. Therefore, other provinces would have to be taken on board before the ‘go-ahead’ is given for the project. “If there is an agreement between the provinces, there will be no issue in carrying on with the water project,” Sajid said.
The CDA has asked the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) for funding of the project. Foreign investors such as the French government is also interested in working on the project.
“The CDA does not have the money to finance such projects. Work will begin after we get approval from the provinces and required funding,” Sajid said.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 2nd, 2010.
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