RAWALPINDI, Pakistan — In a decisive step to tackle the city’s persistent water crisis, the Punjab government has approved three major projects worth over Rs3.1 billion, aimed at ensuring uninterrupted water supply for residents and modernising Rawalpindi’s ageing water infrastructure. Officials say these projects are expected to deliver relief ahead of the next summer season, addressing long-standing shortages across key urban and suburban areas.
The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has announced that work on these projects will begin by the end of January 2026, following the tendering process. WASA Managing Director Saleem Ashraf stated that the initiatives are being implemented under the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who has prioritised improving water access for Rawalpindi and surrounding union councils.
The first project, valued at Rs965 million, focuses on supplying water to seven union councils near the old airport and Nur Khan Airbase. It includes the installation of 12 new tubewells along Islamabad Expressway, along with overhead and underground storage tanks to ensure a continuous water flow in areas affected by depleted groundwater levels.
Another key component involves spending Rs1.11 billion to replace outdated water supply lines from Khanpur Dam. A third initiative, with an investment of Rs1.13 billion, will overhaul the old distribution network fed by Rawal Dam, which has suffered from leaks, rust and water losses over the years. Together, these projects are expected to significantly reduce water wastage and improve service reliability for residents.
Combined, the projects aim to benefit over 765,000 consumers across Rawalpindi. WASA officials also highlighted ongoing work on the Chahan Dam supply system and indicated that the long-awaited Daducha Dam project could soon commence, offering additional long-term capacity to meet the city’s growing demand.
Authorities emphasise that addressing Rawalpindi’s water shortage requires not only infrastructure upgrades but also sustainable management of existing resources, tapping alternative sources and improving storage capacity. With population growth and increasing urban demand, these projects are seen as crucial steps toward securing water stability for the city in the years to come.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.