The Asian Development Bank has granted Pakistan a loan of $18 million aimed at enhancing water supply and solid waste management services in Rawalpindi and Bahawalpur, both rapidly expanding cities in the Punjab province.
Expected to benefit around 15 million individuals, this initiative seeks to mitigate excessive emissions and environmental degradation within urban areas, as per the ADB’s announcement. Yevgeny Zhukov, the Asian Development Bank’s director-general for Central and West Asia, emphasized that the project aims to fortify municipal services in these cities, fostering sustainability, resilience, and a reduction in carbon footprint.
The primary focus lies on enhancing water supply reliability and waste management, ultimately leading to a significant enhancement in the quality of life for the residents of Rawalpindi and Bahawalpur. The undertaking will involve the establishment of a water treatment plant, laying transmission and distribution pipes to cater to 82,000 households through metered connections, and upgrading water pumps and transmission mains for increased operational efficiency. Additionally, three pilot district metering areas will be established to monitor water usage.
To address solid waste management, the project will procure waste collection equipment and modernize the existing fleet to broaden service coverage. It will include the creation of a flood-resistant landfill facility, recycling initiatives, and rehabilitation of current dump sites. Furthermore, funding will enable the provision of personal protective equipment for informal sector workers.
Xijie Lu, an urban development specialist at the Asian Development Bank, highlighted the multifaceted approach beyond infrastructure enhancement. The plan involves augmenting operational efficiency, inclusivity, and financial stability for the Rawalpindi Water and Sanitation Agency and Bahawalpur Waste Management Company. Innovative strategies, encompassing renewable technologies, cost-effective measures, and behavior change communication, are integral components of this initiative.
The Asian Development Bank will oversee a $1 million technical assistance program, facilitated by the Republic of Korea e-Asia and Knowledge Partnership Fund. This aid aims to bolster the Rawalpindi Water and Sanitation Authority’s capacity to address water supply network leakages within the city.