RAWALPINDI: The ‘gastro project’ involving replacement of rusty water supply lines has been moving at a snail’s pace for want of funds.

According to officials, rusty pipelines are prone to attracting sewage into drinking water.

Alarmed by the increasing number of water-borne diseases in Rawalpindi, the Punjab government pledged Rs80 million last year under ‘Gastro Package’ to replace corroded water supply lines.

Managing Director Wasa Raja Shaukat Mehmood told Dawn that his office had so far received Rs30 million out of the pledged Rs80 million hoping that the Punjab government would soon release the rest of the funds for replacing the whole rusty network.—Our Reporter