RAWALPINDI (Special Correspondent) – The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) recently hosted Managing Director Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Rawalpindi, Mr. Aziz Ullah Khan, to deliberate on critical infrastructure issues including water supply shortages, sanitation services, urban flooding, and municipal service efficiency. The session, chaired by RCCI President Nosherwan Khalil Khan, brought together key trade representatives to address the growing operational challenges facing the city’s commercial hubs.

Key Points

• WASA currently manages water supply and sewerage services for approximately 1.8 million residents across a 90-square-kilometre service area.
• The agency operates roughly 500 tube wells, but faces increasing strain from groundwater depletion and rising operational costs.
• A $225 million Asian Development Bank-funded project, DREAMS-I, is underway to bolster water infrastructure and solarization efforts.
• Combined investments in the Punjab Development Programme for water and sewerage upgrades currently exceed Rs8.8 billion.
• RCCI leadership demanded improved desilting of Nullah Lai to mitigate the recurring risk of urban flooding during monsoon seasons.

Infrastructure Development and Future Planning

During the high-level meeting, Managing Director Aziz Ullah Khan provided a detailed presentation on the agency’s capacity and the strategic roadmap to resolve regional water deficits. He noted that while existing infrastructure is extensive, rapid urbanization continues to outpace current supply capabilities. The agency is actively pursuing water sourcing initiatives involving the Chahan, Dadhocha, and Cherah dams, alongside potential resource augmentation from the Indus River to ensure long-term sustainability. The ongoing Punjab Development Programme remains a cornerstone of these efforts, involving the critical replacement of 106 kilometres of aged water supply pipelines and the expansion of drainage networks. RCCI Engages MD WASA to advocate for transparency, as the business community expressed concerns regarding current billing mechanisms and the availability of water tanker services in commercial districts.

Addressing Commercial Concerns and Sustainability

RCCI President Nosherwan Khalil Khan stressed that a robust and uninterrupted water supply is an existential requirement for market productivity. He urged the authorities to prioritize the maintenance of tube wells and the regularization of water distribution to prevent unauthorized access. The leadership also highlighted the severe economic disruption caused by urban flooding and requested preemptive measures, such as timely desilting of Nullah Lai and its tributaries. In response, the chamber representatives offered their full support to WASA for initiatives involving rainwater harvesting and environmental conservation. For related news on regional development, readers may consult reports on how the Commissioner and DIG Hazara hold online open court sessions to address similar civic grievances. The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to maintain strong institutional coordination to improve municipal services for the business community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What major projects are being undertaken to improve Rawalpindi water supply?

WASA is working on projects related to the Chahan, Dadhocha, and Cherah dams, while the Asian Development Bank-funded DREAMS-I project, worth $225 million, is currently supporting infrastructure expansion and solarization.

What concerns did the RCCI raise regarding urban infrastructure?

The RCCI raised concerns about recurring urban flooding, the need for timely desilting of Nullah Lai, groundwater depletion, and the requirement for more transparent billing and improved water availability in commercial areas.