ISLAMABAD: While tens of thousands of residents in Islamabad depend on filtration plants for drinking water, the quality of the water has always been a matter of concern for consumers.

To resolve the issue, the chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Saturday ordered quarterly testing of the water. He also asked officials concerned to consider the option of outsourcing all the filtration plants in the city.

Chairing a meeting on Islamabad’s water issues, the CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa directed that the water quality of the filtration plants should be tested through a third-party validation by Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR).

Moreover, the officials concerned were directed for the immediate restoration and repair of all non-functional filtration plants. Besides, a comprehensive survey of the filtration plants should be conducted, he added.

CDA chairman asks officials concerned to also consider option of outsourcing all filtration plants in city

The meeting was also attended by CDA members, the director general Islamabad Water and other senior officers.

The DG water briefed the meeting about the restoration of non-functional filtration plants and installation of sewage treatment plants to check contamination of water in Rawal Dam.

He claimed that the quality of water in all the filtration plants was being ensured in accordance with the World Health Organisation (WHO) standards.

The chairman directed for the immediate restoration and repair of all water filtration plants. The member finance was asked to ensure immediate release of required funds for the repair of the filtration plants.

The chairman also suggested considering the option of outsourcing the filtration plants for their long-term maintenance and repair.

He stressed expediting the installation of sewage treatment plants to check contamination in Rawal Dam.

The meeting was informed that one sewage treatment plant each was being installed at Bari Imam, Banigala and Simly Dam Road. Tenders for the sewage treatment plants have been opened and after scrutiny of the bids the installation process will commence.

The chairman also instructed all housing societies to ensure the immediate installation of sewage treatment plants. Additionally, he directed for the exploration of more wetland options within Islamabad to enhance environment sustainability.

Model jail

Meanwhile, the CDA chairman, who is also the chief commissioner Islamabad, visited the under-construction Islamabad Model Jail. He was accompanied by Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza and other officers.

He reviewed the progress of construction work on various components, including road infrastructure, boundary wall, the administration block, hospital and barracks.

Mr Randhawa was told that the construction of the administration block and boundary wall of the jail was expected to be completed by next month.

Over 88pc of the construction work on the barracks has already been completed while the hospital’s construction is nearing completion. Additionally, work on the jail’s road infrastructure is progressing rapidly and is expected to be finished soon.

He directed that the remaining work be completed as soon as possible. Moreover, suitable areas inside and around the jail be allocated for maximum plantation to enhance its green cover.

Emphasising timely completion, he underscored the importance of maintaining high quality standards in all construction activities of the jail.

Published in Dawn, January 19th, 2025