The Rawalpindi city is set for a massive utility upgrade under the Punjab Development Program, as billions of rupees are pumped into modernising Rawalpindi’s ageing water and sewerage systems.
The project involves a total expenditure of Rs 6 billion, focused on laying 180 kilometers 90km for water and 90km for sewerage of new lines and installing modern tube wells.
According to MD WASA, Azizullah Khan, an additional 2 billion rupees has been earmarked for the construction of a rainwater drainage system and the procurement of new operational machinery for WASA.
Water infrastructure upgrades
A budget of 3 billion rupees is dedicated to improving the city’s water supply. Furthermore, 90 kilometres of pipes, ranging from 3 inches to 42 inches in diameter, are being laid or replaced. In the Shah Faisal and Fazal Town areas, 12 new tube wells are being installed alongside a 45-kilometre distribution network.
The plan includes the construction of four ground storage tanks and the replacement of white tank motors. A dedicated 1 billion rupee project will install new water lines connecting these two major arteries.
Sewerage and rainwater drainage
Parallel to the water project, another 3 billion rupees is being spent on sewerage and drainage solutions:
Sewerage Network: 90 kilometres of new sewer lines are being installed across the city.
Stormwater Management: A 1 billion rupee drain is under construction to prevent flooding during the monsoon season. This 2-kilometre-long drain stretches from Jamia Masjid to Ganj Mandi.
The drain starts at 8×8 feet and expands to 15×10 feet. It is designed to carry sewage from local areas as well as runoff from Asghar Mall Road.
To ensure the sustainability of these new systems, 1 billion rupees is being spent on purchasing state-of-the-art operational machinery for WASA, enhancing the department’s ability to maintain the city’s infrastructure.
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