Tenders sought for water projects

The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has invited tenders for a Rs3.5 billion project to improve and remodel Rawalpindi's severely deteriorated underground water supply network.

Work is also underway on the Chahan Dam water supply project to add 17 million gallons per day, while feasibility studies continue for the Daducha Dam project (35 MGD) and Charah Dam project (12 MGD).

According to sources, the water supply network bringing water from Khanpur and Rawal dams, along with underground pipelines in Union Councils 77 to 82 of PP-13, has become extremely dilapidated, causing massive water losses. Under the Punjab Development Programme, an improvement and remodelling initiative has been launched, with tenders invited and contracts to be awarded shortly.

Meanwhile, work continues on Lots 1 and 4 of the 17 MGD Chahan and Rawal Dam projects, while re-tendering is likely for Lots 2 and 3. Feasibility studies are ongoing for the Daducha and Charah dam projects, which aim to provide Rawalpindi city and cantonment with an additional 47 MGD.

Under the Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Initiative for Water Supply, the process is being supervised by Rawalpindi Commissioner Engineer Aamir Khattak and is expected to be completed in the first month of next year, followed by contract awards.

MD WASA Rawalpindi Muhammad Saleem Ashraf said that in 2026-27, Rawalpindi will receive 17 MGD of additional water in the first phase, followed by 35 MGD and 12 MGD in subsequent phases.