RAWALPINDI: Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) Director General Kinza Murtaza on Saturday said the Punjab government has launched the Developing Resilient Environments and Advancing Municipal Services (Dreams) project to overcome shortage of water and improve the supply system in the garrison city.

The project aims to address the growing water needs of the city and enhance its infrastructure for better service delivery.

The project is funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). It would be ensured that the project meets international standards and contributes to enhancing the resilience and efficiency of the city’s municipal services.

Ms Murtza highlighted the significance of the project in providing sustainable water solutions.

“The overall scope of DREAMS involves the treatment and transportation of 14.5 million gallons per day (mgd) of water from Chahan Dam to Rawalpindi city. Additionally, the project will involve the improvement and replacement of the existing water supply system in Rawalpindi,” she said in a statement.

She said Rawalpindi’s increasing population and urbanisation had placed significant pressure on the existing water supply system. The Dreams project is a response to these challenges and will include the development of new water sources, renovation of existing infrastructure, and the implementation of advanced technologies to ensure a sustainable and efficient water supply for the city, she said.

The project is a critical step towards addressing the growing demand for water in Rawalpindi. It aims to modernise the city’s water supply infrastructure and provide residents with reliable access to clean and safe drinking water, she said.

The project is expected to benefit thousands of households across the city by improving the efficiency of the water distribution network, reducing water losses and ensuring better management of resources. In addition, the project will focus on long-term sustainability, integrating climate resilience and water conservation measures to meet the future demands of the city, she added.

There are three parts of the project and Rs6.326 billion would be focused on the development of an integrated water supply system. The scope of this part of the project includes the construction of a raw water intake system and a water treatment plant with a capacity of 12mgd sourced from the Chahan Dam.

Published in Dawn, December 1st, 2024