Call for transparency in water projects

LG secretary presses for accelerating DREAMS project

RAWALPINDI:

Punjab Secretary for Local Government Shakeel Ahmed Mian on Tuesday said that the Rawal, Khanpur, and Chahan Dams projects are of critical importance to meet Rawalpindi's water supply needs. Transparency, timely completion, and adherence to high-quality standards must be ensured in every project.

He expressed these views while addressing a review meeting on development schemes in Rawalpindi. The meeting was attended by Commissioner Rawalpindi, Engineer Aamir Khattak, WASA Mnaaging Director Muhammad Saleem Ashraf, and other officials.

Mian emphasised that the Water Supply "DREAMS" Project holds significant importance for the city. The project also includes a 20-megawatt solar power component, which is expected to reduce WASA's electricity expenses.

He stressed the need to accelerate the pace of work on the DREAMS project and directed that both transparency and quality be ensured so that the benefits of the project reach the public.

The secretary further noted that while the Punjab government is launching mega water supply and sewerage projects in major cities, it is equally committed—through support from the World Bank (WB)—to providing modern water supply and sewerage facilities in 2,000 villages across the province.

During a briefing on the DREAMS mega project, WASA MD Muhammad Saleem Ashraf shared that the project would help bridge the gap in the availability of drinking water in both urban and surrounding areas.

The Asian Development Bank has released Rs35 billion in funding for the project, which comprises four components. Collectively, Rawal Dam, Khanpur Dam, and Chahan Dam will contribute an additional 25 million gallons of water.

It was further informed that pipelines and ground storage tanks are being constructed for water distribution, and the filtration plant at Rawal Dam is also being upgraded.

The Khanpur Dam component will enable the delivery of an additional 8 million gallons per day, while progress stands at 7.5% for the Chahan Dam project and 6.6% for the additional water supply component from Rawal Dam.