RAWALPINDI, Aug 15: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved the award of contract for conducting a technical survey of the city the Rawalpindi Environmental Improvement Project (REIP) to Nespak, official sources told Dawn here on Wednesday.

The firm, which consists of engineers, planners and economists, would complete its survey in a period of five months and would devise the plan for constructing sewerage system, sewerage treatment plants and management of solid waste disposal.

The REIP is the second phase of the Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Project (UWSSP), which has been initiated by the Punjab government with 91 per cent of financial assistance from the ADB.

The first phase, in which water pipeline was laid in various parts of the city, has recently been completed.

The sources said the firm would also include Nullah Leh in its study and prepare a plan for further improving the function of Leh.