RAWALPINDI: Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) officials met Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) office-bearers on Thursday to discuss water shortage, urban flooding and ongoing municipal challenges.
The meeting was attended by RCCI President Nosherwan Khalil Khan and Wasa Managing Director Azizullah Khan.
During the meeting, the Wasa managing director gave a comprehensive presentation outlining the authority’s operational capacity, development projects, future water requirements and strategies for improving municipal services.
He informed participants that Wasa serves approximately 1.8 million people across a 90-square-kilometre service area.
The authority operates around 500 tube wells and manages an extensive water supply and sewerage network.
However, Rawalpindi faces a substantial water supply deficit, increasing groundwater depletion, rising operational costs and growing demand due to rapid urbanisation.
The presentation highlighted major initiatives, including water supply projects based on Chahan and Dadhocha dams, proposed augmentation through Cherah Dam and additional resources from the Indus River.
The Asian Development Bankfunded Dreams-I project, worth approximately US $225 million, isalso supporting water supply improvements, infrastructure expansion and solarisation initiatives in Rawalpindi.
Wasa officials further briefed participants on ongoing Punjab Development Programme projects involving replacement of 106 kilometres of old water supply lines, installation of tube wells, construction of reservoirs and development of sewerage and drainageinfrastructure.
The combined water supply and sewerage development programme represents an investment exceeding Rs8.8 billion.
RCCI president emphasised that uninterrupted water supply and efficient sanitation services are essential for businesses, mar-kets and commercial activities.
He urged Wasa to address concerns regarding sanitation charges, improve water availability in commercial areas, upgrade existing tube wells and ensure transparent billing mechanisms.
Expressing serious concern over recurring urban flooding, he stressed the need for effective drainage, timely desilting of Leh Nullah and its tributaries, and preventive measures to protect businesses and livelihoods during monsoon rains.
Participants also raised concerns about tanker supply, groundwater depletion, infrastructure deficiencies and the need to control unauthorised water distribution.-Staff Reporter