LAHORE:
The Punjab government, in collaboration with the World Bank, has initiated a Rs400 billion project to improve water supply and sewerage systems in 80 small cities across the province.
The plan aims to provide these cities with modern sanitation facilities, similar to those in major urban centres such as Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi and Multan.
Currently, Punjab’s water and sewerage services are largely limited to five major cities where WASA (Water and Sanitation Agency) operates. This leaves many smaller urban areas struggling with inadequate sanitation and drinking water facilities.
Recognising the urgent need for improvement, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has taken action to extend these essential services to 80 more cities.
The project will be financed through a combination of World Bank funding for 20 cities and Punjab government allocations for the remaining 60.
The initiative is expected to be completed within two years.
To ensure effective implementation and long-term sustainability, the Punjab government has established the Punjab Water Sanitation Authority.
This newly formed body will oversee the expansion of WASA services beyond the five existing cities. It will also regulate and approve the creation of additional WASA agencies where needed.
The authority will be chaired by the chief minister or a designated representative, with senior officials including the Chairman of the Planning & Development Board, Secretaries of Finance, Housing, and Local Government, and MD WASA.
Additionally, four technical experts will be part of the governing body, and a Director General will act as the authority’s secretary.
The Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (PMDFC) and the Local Government and Community Development Department have been tasked with designing and planning the project.
The government has set a deadline of February 30 for finalizing the master plan, ensuring that the infrastructure meets the needs of growing urban populations for at least the next 20 years.
The project covers cities with populations exceeding 100,000, including Kasur, Sheikhupura, Chiniot, Sargodha, Jhang, Rahim Yar Khan, Mandi Bahauddin, Bhakkar, Attock, and many more. So far, planning for 55 cities has been completed, while surveys are ongoing in the remaining areas.
These cities will see significant upgrades in their water supply networks and sewerage systems, addressing longstanding sanitation issues that have affected public health and urban living standards. Once completed, the initiative will greatly reduce waterborne diseases and improve the overall quality of life for millions of residents.
Speaking about the project, CEO PMDFC Syed Zahid Aziz highlighted the Chief Minister’s commitment to improving urban infrastructure.
“CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif is determined to provide equal facilities to both major and smaller cities. This Rs400 billion initiative will revolutionise water and sanitation services across Punjab,” he said.
WASA MD Ghufran Ahmed emphasised that the creation of the Punjab Water Sanitation Authority is a crucial step toward resolving sanitation challenges across the province.
“This authority will not only manage water and sewerage services in big cities but also ensure smaller towns receive the same standard of services,” he explained.
