RAWALPINDI, Feb 2: Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) Managing-Director Aslam Sabzwari has said work on the Asian Development Bank-funded Rawalpindi Environmental Improvement Project (REIP) would start by the end of current year.

The Wasa managing-director, in a statement issued here on Wednesday, said initially sanitary facilities would be provided to a number of localities. The REIP, he said, was the second phase of the ADB-funded Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Project (UWSSP) under which Nullah Leh had been extended and number of bridges built, besides improving water supply to major parts of the city.

During implementation of the REIP, he said, a sewerage system would be laid, covering all the areas falling in the jurisdiction of Wasa. Mr Sabzwari said PC-1 of the project had been prepared by Wasa on the basis of a study conducted by Nespak.

The PC-1, he said, had been cleared by the Punjab government and sent to the federal government for final approval. The Wasa official said feasibility report for phase-III of the project would also be prepared soon.

The third phase would include construction of either Chirah or Daducha dam to increase water storage capacity and ensure augmented water supply to the consumers.