Rs8.5b water, sewerage schemes approved

Two schemes worth Rs8.5 billion have been approved under the Punjab Development Programme for laying new water supply and sewerage networks and replacing the outdated infrastructure in Rawalpindi under the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA). However, sewerage schemes for Rawalpindi and Chaklala Cantonment have been deferred under the approved Rs5.5 billion sewerage project. After approval from the federal cabinet, sewerage schemes worth Rs4 billion can be launched in cantonment areas. According to details, a new water supply scheme worth Rs3.5 billion will be completed in Union Councils 76 and 77 by installing 12 new tube wells and replacing outdated water supply lines. Meanwhile, sewerage lines will be laid in areas where no sewerage network exists, while old and deteriorated sewerage lines will be replaced under a project costing Rs5 billion. Sources said that under the Punjab Development Programme, a total Rs5.5 billion scheme had been planned for the installation of new sewerage networks and replacement of old lines. Out of this amount, Rawalpindi Cantonment Board and Chaklala Cantonment Board were allocated Rs2 billion each, while Rs1.5 billion was earmarked for sewerage schemes in city areas. However, the Rs4 billion sewerage scheme for cantonment areas has been deferred until the federal cabinet approves the use of Punjab funds in cantonment territories. After approval, sewerage projects worth Rs4 billion will also be initiated in the cantonment areas. Managing Director WASA Azizullah Khan said that once the proposed water supply and sewerage schemes are completed in the city and cantonment areas, the water supply system will improve significantly and the existing sewerage problems will also be resolved.