Funds sought for drains' desilting

The Rawalpindi Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has requested a grant of Rs1 billion from the Punjab government for the purchase of heavy machinery to ensure continuous cleaning of Nullah Leh and adjoining drains throughout the year, especially ahead of the monsoon season.

According to sources, WASA has been outsourcing the de-silting of Nullah Leh and associated sewerage drains for the past three decades due to a lack of in-house heavy machinery, a situation shared by other WASA bodies across Punjab.

This year again, Rs150 million will be spent on outsourcing the cleaning contract, and the demand for this amount has already been submitted to the provincial government.

In addition to the regular funding request, WASA has also urged the chief minister to provide essential machinery to enable in-house cleaning throughout the year.

The agency estimates that with its own equipment, annual operational costs would drop to Rs50 million - currently at Rs150 million - resulting in a savings of Rs100 million annually. Moreover, continuous year-round cleaning could help prevent low-lying areas from flooding during monsoon rains.

If the grant is approved, WASA plans to purchase four excavators, six dumpers, two jetting machines, two suction machines, and six water bowsers.

WASA Managing Director Muhammad Salim Ashraf stated that the agency would establish a routine cleaning system with improved efficiency and reduce the flood threat by increasing the depth of Nullah Leh, enabling faster drainage into the Soan River.

He said that a clean drainage system would help prevent flooding and significantly reduce annual maintenance costs.

Nullah Leh frequently causes extensive flooding in low-lying areas of the twin cities during heavy monsoon rains, often resulting in significant financial losses and, at times, tragic loss of life.