Canal supply to WASA project stopped

Rs25.7m lapse sparks row; JICA warns of serious concerns if closure persists

FAISALABAD:

The irrigation department has stopped the supply of 20 cusecs of canal water to the Water and Sanitation Agency's (WASA) Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded project after funds worth Rs25.7 million were not deposited.

Sources said WASA and the irrigation department had signed an agreement on July 24, 2024, under which the department committed to providing bulk water supply for treatment and distribution under the JICA-sponsored project.

The scheme, titled "Construction of Distribution Center, Rehabilitation of Old Jhal Khanuana Water Treatment Plant (JICA Grant-in-Aid)," is worth Rs7,866.73 million and aims to enhance Faisalabad's water security through upgraded treatment and distribution systems.

The project was partially handed over to WASA on April 30, 2025, though some work remains incomplete.

The irrigation department had demanded Rs25.7 million from WASA for removing silt and industrial waste from the Rakh Branch Canal, which carries untreated effluents from dozens of textile and industrial units.

Officials said the amount was initially deposited but lapsed due to delays and procedural issues in mid-2024.

Executive Engineer Muzaffar Khan Jappa of the irrigation department said several reminders were sent to WASA for revalidation of funds, but no action was taken.

"We were left with no choice but to suspend the supply as per policy. The delay has disrupted critical works and is now affecting timely completion of this public-interest project," he stated.

However, WASA Managing Director Suhail Qadir Cheema rejected the claim, saying the funds had been handed over on time but lapsed due to negligence within the Irrigation Department.

"Fresh approval requires a long process through the Finance Department and provincial cabinet. We have called an emergency meeting to fix responsibility, and the funds will be released soon," he assured.

Sultan-e-Azam, JICA's technical expert, expressed concern over the standoff, warning that any prolonged closure would raise serious questions. "We maintain a five-day storage capacity, but this uncertainty is troubling. If officially notified, we will escalate our reservations to the Planning and Development Department and the federal Economic Affairs Division," he said.