WASA orders FIR over delay in water project

The Rawalpindi Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has taken strict notice of continuous delays in Lot-4 of the Dream Water Supply Project, funded through an Asian Development Bank loan, and ordered registration of an FIR against the contractor's field safety officer, manager and others.

The Rs7.19 billion project involves laying a new pipeline from Rawal Dam to Khayaban-e-Sir Syed via Sixth Road.

Delays have not only hampered timely completion but also disrupted traffic flow on Sixth Road. Excavation has caused inconvenience to citizens and posed accident risks.

On Monday night, WASA MD Muhammad Saleem Ashraf visited the site and took notice. The broader project aims to supply an additional five million gallons per day from Rawal Dam and Khanpur Dam to Khayaban-e-Sir Syed.

Lot-1 was awarded at Rs6.36 billion and Lot-4 at Rs7.19 billion.

Following the delay, an FIR was registered against the contractor's staff, and manpower was deployed by the department to continue the work. Instructions have been issued to complete the remaining work in the shortest possible time.

Under the Dream Water Supply Project, a Rs20.40 billion contract for Lots 2 and 3 from Chahan Dam to supply 12 million gallons per day to Adiala Road and six adjoining union councils was earlier cancelled due to irregularities.