Sewage found in twin cities water

Senate body told 90% water contains the bacteria that causes cholera

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ISLAMABAD:

Islamabad and Rawalpindi's drinking water supply has been revealed to be contaminated with sewer water, with 90 per cent of the water containing cholera bacteria.

The alarming findings were disclosed during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change, chaired by Senator Sherry Rehman.

Senator Sherry Rehman stated that nine million gallons of untreated sewage are being dumped into Rawal Dam daily, which is then supplied to the residents of Islamabad.

She called it a grave injustice, adding, "It is shameful that the entire country is now searching for bottled water even for brushing their teeth."

While briefing the committee, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) chairman disclosed that since 2011, plans for installing sewage treatment plants have been pending.

"A project worth Rs6 billion is needed to address the issue, but the federal government has allocated only Rs60 million.

How can we complete such a project under these conditions?" he questioned.

Sherry Rehman expressed outrage, asking, "Is Islamabad a neglected city? Residents are being supplied water contaminated with sewage."

Officials from the Ministry of Planning informed the committee that funding for the project will be sought through the Panda Bond initiative.

Meanwhile, the CDA chairman highlighted the urgent need for Rs3 billion to set up sewage treatment plants and revealed that the Punjab government has been asked to provide the funds.

Despite additional water being available in Rawal Dam, Islamabad is not receiving its due share, it was said.

In 2024, the dam's spillways were opened 12 times, releasing excess water downstream, yet no additional supply was provided to the capital.

Islamabad's water demand stands at 120 million gallons per day (MGD), while only 80 MGD is available, leaving a shortfall of 40 MGD.

Committee member Bushra Anjum Butt stressed the need for immediate resolution, urging authorities to ensure funds for the sewage treatment plants.

Senator Manzoor Kakar revealed that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), Islamabad's water filtration systems are inadequate.

The CDA reported that there are 97 water filtration plants in the city, mostly managed by private organisations.

Sherry Rehman questioned this arrangement, asserting that public-sector tasks should not be outsourced. She directed the CDA's Water Management Department to overhaul its operations.

When asked about daily water output and filtration plant maintenance, CDA officials could not provide satisfactory answers. However, the chairman revealed that Islamabad lacked water and sewerage authority.

Recently, the government has approved the establishment of the Islamabad Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA), which will oversee water-related issues in the city.

It was also disclosed that Rawal Dam is contaminated by untreated sewage from housing societies near Islamabad. Meetings with these societies have been scheduled, and authorities have warned that sewer connections will be severed if they fail to treat their waste before disposal.