RAWALPINDI, Oct 27: The Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) is likely to double water charges due to the heavy cost being incurred on water supply from Khanpur Dam, sources told Dawn.
The increase in the charges may be more than 100 per cent. However, it would be made gradually so that the masses are not burdened”, the sources said.
They said the RCB had to pay Rs1.50 million as monthly electricity charges for the supply of water from Khanpur Dam.
They said the Capital Development Authority (CDA) sent a two-month electricity bill of Rs five million to the RCB since water supply started in August, 2001.
The cantonment board complained that the bill was higher than the electricity being consumed, therefore, had sent it back to the CDA for review.
Apart from this, the cantonment board has been spending Rs100 million annually on electricity charges and maintenance of water supply management, sources said.
Compared to this, on the recovery side, the RCB earned only Rs10 million from water charges. “But, now due to strict recovery drive, this figure has risen to Rs15 million per annum”, he said.
The RCB also has to pay Rs1.075 million on account of the capital cost on Sangjani filtration plant. On the other hand, no increase has been made in water charges for the last six years, sources said.
During this period, electricity charges have more than doubled, which makes it necessary for the RCB to increase water charges, they said. “But, it will be ensured that the masses are not overburdened.” They said charges would be higher in the posh areas compared to those inhabited by the lower strata of the society.
The heavy cost incurred on water supply is due to the peculiar condition of the Potohar region where water table is very deep, and underground water is available only in pockets.
The RCB had planned to dig eight tubewells but only four of them — Chamanabad, Naseerabad, Gawalmandi and Allama Iqbal Colony — could draw small quantity of water. The remaining four tubewells in Kamalabad, Noorani Mohallah, Chistiabad and Faisal Colony, failed to yield water.
Due to the scarcity of underground water, 25 per cent more energy has to be consumed on water drawing from deep wells,
