RAWALPINDI, Sept 20: The Rs5.142 billion PC-I of the Asian Development Bank-funded Rawalpindi Environmental Improvement Project has been approved by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP). The approval to this effect was given in a CDWP meeting held on September 17. The Punjab government was also directed to go ahead with loan negotiations with the ADB on October 15-16, said Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) Managing Director (MD) Syed Aslam Ali Sabazwari.

A press release issued by Wasa said in this regard ADB’s appraisal mission visited Pakistan from September 6-16 and held meetings With Wasa MD, Rawalpindi Development Authority director- general, district coordination officer, Rawalpindi, and tehsil municipal officer.

The mission prepared aide-memoir which was discussed in a wrap-up meeting attended by the representatives of the Punjab government and the Economic Affairs Division on September 15. Later it was approved by the provincial government and the division on September 16.

The Wasa MD said land acquisition and compensation for the sewerage treatment plant would be done in accordance with the “resettlement plan” finalized by the ADB mission and approved by the government of Punjab.

The MD said after loan negotiations and approval, the project was expected to be started by the end of December. It will be completed in a period of five years.

He said the project would improve living conditions of about 1.4 million residents of Rawalpindi by improving the quality of life, health and environment, and creating conditions conducive for sustained urban development and economic growth.