Wastewater treatment plant construction resumes

Officials say 33 MGD plant will reduce pollution and improve irrigation water quality

FAISALABAD:

Construction work has formally resumed on the Eastern Wastewater Treatment Plant (EWTP), Punjab's second-largest wastewater treatment project, after a temporary suspension caused by security concerns raised by a Danish donor agency and its consulting partners.

The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Faisalabad has intensified its oversight of the mega project, with officials placing special emphasis on ensuring the timely execution of construction activities.

A ceremony marking the commencement of construction was held at the project site, where Project Director Hafiz Owais Jamal inaugurated the work by cutting the ribbon.

Representatives of Danish contractor MUNCK Civil Engineering, including Project Director Rasmus Schmidt Petersen, Project Manager Daniel, a team of foreign engineers, local technical staff and project consultants attended the event.

Foreign engineers have also returned to the site and expressed their commitment to completing the project within the stipulated timeframe.

The project had remained stalled for a brief period after the Danish contractor raised concerns over security arrangements for foreign personnel working at the site.

Sources said police had proposed strict security protocols, including accommodation for foreign engineers within a secured compound at the project site.

The arrangement was reportedly rejected by the Danish firm, which temporarily withdrew its staff, creating an awkward situation for both federal and provincial authorities.

However, following consultations among security agencies, the Danish Embassy in Islamabad, the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) and the project's engineering consultants, an agreement was reached and construction activities were allowed to resume.

Speaking to reporters, Project Director Hafiz Owais Jamal described the Eastern Wastewater Treatment Plant as a state-of-the-art environmental initiative that would significantly improve urban sanitation and reduce environmental pollution in Faisalabad.

He said the plant would have the capacity to treat 33 million gallons per day (MGD) of municipal and industrial wastewater.

The facility will receive wastewater from Channel 4 on the eastern side of the city and, after treatment, discharge the water into the Gugera Branch Canal for agricultural irrigation purposes.

"Completion of this project will provide substantial relief to citizens by reducing environmental and water pollution. Accelerating construction work and completing the project within the prescribed timeline remain our top priorities," he said.

Officials explained that untreated wastewater from Faisalabad was previously discharged directly into the Madhuana Drain, which ultimately flows into the River Ravi.

This practice contributed to river pollution, environmental degradation and damage to aquatic ecosystems.