ADB Review Mission Visits Punjab Housing Department, Reviews Rs. 33bn Rawalpindi Water Supply Project

By Dr Ansab Ali
LAHORE, Pakistan — A review mission of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) visited the Punjab Housing Department on Tuesday, where senior technical experts briefed the delegation on ongoing development initiatives across the province, according to a departmental spokesperson.

The meeting was co-chaired by Secretary Housing Noor-ul-Amin Mengal and Secretary Local Government Mian Shakeel Ahmed, and featured comprehensive discussions on key water supply and sewerage projects.

The spokesperson said the mission received an in-depth update on the Rs. 33 billion Rawalpindi Water Supply Project, with directives issued to ensure its timely and high-quality completion while adhering to all technical standards.

Feasibility studies for major water supply and sewerage schemes in Bahawalpur, Sargodha, and Rahim Yar Khan are also underway, with the Housing Secretary instructing authorities to accelerate land acquisition. All projects are targeted for completion by 2027.

The spokesperson further noted that the establishment of WASA agencies across Punjab’s districts is progressing swiftly. The ADB will support the preparation of master plans for sewerage and water supply systems in all districts.

Upon completion, the Rawalpindi Water Supply Project is expected to provide clean drinking water to over one million residents, while the Punjab government continues to expand access to safe water through surface water treatment, in line with directives from the Chief Minister.

The ADB delegation included Shaukat Shafi, Hikaru Shoji, Umar Ali Shah, and Ahmad Malik, who expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of development work in the province.