WASA fast-tracks water project to boost supply

Initially set for three years, the project will now be completed by December 2026

RAWALPINDI:

The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has decided to accelerate the completion of its 'Developing Resilient Environments and Enhancing Municipal Services' (DREAMS) project, funded through an Asian Development Bank (ADB) loan, aiming to supply an additional 130,000 gallons of water daily to Rawalpindi residents.

Initially planned for completion in three years, the project is now set to be finished by December 2026, reducing the timeline to two years. On March 7, WASA Managing Director (MD) Muhammad Saleem Ashraf will inspect the ongoing work at the Rawal Lake Filtration Plant.

During a meeting chaired by the WASA MD, the progress of the mega DREAMS project was reviewed. The meeting was attended by project consultants from PMCS, contractors from LOT-4, and officials from CIT at WASA's headquarters. It was decided that this public welfare project would be completed in two years instead of three.

The MD directed that the survey for the 3.2km main conduction line from I-10, Islamabad, to Khayaban-e-Sir Syed, along with the distribution network in the project area, be completed within seven days.

During the meeting, officials informed the MD that the project was initially planned for completion in three years. However, the MD instructed that all efforts be made to complete it by the end of 2026, reducing the timeline to two years, to ensure that the public benefits from the project as soon as possible.

Key features of the DREAMS project under LOT-4 are additional water supply from Rawal Dam, additional five million gallons per day (MGD) from Rawal Dam, restoration and upgradation of the Rawal Lake Filtration Plant, increased water supply from Khanpur Dam, installation of two heavy pumps to provide 8 MGD from Khanpur Dam, and 24/7 water supply to three UCs in Khayaban-e-Sir Syed.

Regarding the machinery replacement at Rawal Lake Filtration Plant, the MD instructed that work begin immediately.

Ashraf further directed that CIT mechanical and electrical experts were directed to start work on the replacement of machinery at Rawal Lake without delay.

The building and other civil works of the filtration plant should be assessed, and repairs to the existing infrastructure must begin within seven days, he further directed.