Govt approves funds for WASA to combat urban flooding
The Punjab Ministry of Housing and Physical Planning has approved funds for several mega projects of the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Rawalpindi.
These funds will be used to launch a large-scale project aimed at widening, deepening, and reinforcing 15 seasonal nullahs (streams) that wreak havoc in the city every monsoon.
The initiative also includes a complete overhaul of the drainage and sewerage systems to meet modern standards. New water tanks and supply schemes will be established to bring drinking water from Chahan and Daducha dams to Rawalpindi city.
In densely populated and commercial areas such as Commercial Market, Moti Bazaar, Dingi Khoi, Chah Sultan, and Dhoke Khabawhere nullahs frequently choke during heavy rainthe outdated drainage system will be replaced entirely.
Provincial Housing Minister Bilal Yasin on Thursday informed WASA MD Saleem Ashraf about the fund approval and instructed him to prepare comprehensive schemes for floodwater management during the monsoon. These funds will be released in September.
The minister, accompanied by the WASA MD and without any protocol, visited several flood-affected areas of Rawalpindi, including Dhoke Khaba, Sadiqabad and Muslim Town.