The Asian Development Bank has greenlit a loan of $18 million for Pakistan aimed at enhancing water supply and solid waste management services in Rawalpindi and Bahawalpur, two rapidly growing cities in Punjab province.
Expected to benefit approximately 15 million people, the project is geared towards curbing excessive emissions and preserving the urban environment. According to Yevgeny Zhukov, the Asian Development Bank’s director-general for Central and West Asia, the initiative aims to fortify municipal services in these cities, making them more sustainable, resilient, and eco-friendly.
By ensuring reliable water supply and refining waste management, the project aims to significantly enhance the quality of life in Rawalpindi and Bahawalpur. Key components involve the establishment of a water treatment plant, the laying of transmission and distribution pipes to cater to 82,000 households with metered connections, and the upgrade of water pumps and transmission mains to augment surface water supply and operational efficiency. Additionally, plans include setting up three pilot district metering areas.
Bahawalpur’s solid waste management will witness improvement through the acquisition of waste collection equipment and upgrading the existing fleet to expand service coverage. This will be supported by a new fleet management information system. Moreover, the project includes the construction of a flood-resistant landfill facility, recycling initiatives, and the rehabilitation of existing dump sites. Financing also encompasses providing personal protective equipment for informal sector workers.
Xijie Lu, an urban development specialist at the Asian Development Bank, highlighted that beyond infrastructure enhancements, the bank aims to bolster the operational efficiency, inclusivity, and financial stability of Rawalpindi Water and Sanitation Agency and Bahawalpur Waste Management Company. Innovation is a key aspect, integrating renewable technologies, cost-recovery measures, and initiatives for behavioral change and communication.
Further, the Asian Development Bank will oversee $1 million in technical assistance from the Republic of Korea’s e-Asia and Knowledge Partnership Fund. This support aims to strengthen the capacity of the Rawalpindi Water and Sanitation Authority in addressing leakages within the city’s water supply network.
