RCCI Hosts MD WASA to Discuss Water Supply, Sanitation and Infrastructure Challenges
Rawalpindi: The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) hosted Managing Director WASA Rawalpindi, Mr. Aziz Ullah Khan, along with Assistant Director Mr. Muhammad Haseeb, to discuss water supply shortages, sanitation, infrastructure development, urban flooding and ongoing municipal challenges. The meeting was chaired by RCCI President Nosherwan Khalil Khan and attended by Patron-in-Chief Sohail Altaf, Senior Vice President Waseem Aslam, Vice President Ikram Abbasi, Executive Committee members and representatives of various trade associations, including Shahid Ghafoor Paracha, Haji Mumtaz, Sheikh Waheed and others.During the meeting, MD WASA delivered 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 urbanization.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 Bank-funded DREAMS-I project, worth approximately US$225 million, is also supporting water supply improvements, infrastructure expansion and solarization 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 drainage infrastructure. The combined water supply and sewerage development programme represents an investment exceeding Rs8.8 billion.RCCI President Nosherwan Khalil Khan emphasized that uninterrupted water supply and efficient sanitation services are essential for businesses, markets 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 Nullah Lai 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 unauthorized water distribution.The RCCI leadership assured WASA of its full cooperation in promoting sustainable water management, rainwater harvesting and environmental conservation.Reaffirming RCCI’s commitment as Pakistan’s first Green Chamber, President Nosherwan Khalil Khan emphasized that coordinated efforts between public institutions and the business community are vital to developing a sustainable, resilient and business-friendly Rawalpindi.
