Islamabad, August 09, 2020 (PPI-OT): Water is the biggest challenge for Islamabad. Prior preliminary studies had proposed Ghazi Barotha as a viable option. Since 2009 the matter has been delayed for one reason or the other and no progress has been made. In the meantime shortage of water remained a serious issue. However, now the Capital Development Authority under instructions of federal govt., has finally proceeded ahead. On Friday financial bids for hiring of consultant for Project Conduction of Water from Indus River for twin cities and Preparation of Water and Waste Water Master Plan of Islamabad were opened.
In order to seek services of the consultant, Authority invited the proposals from companies both at national as well as international level. In response to the advertisement, renowned national and international firms submitted their technical and financial proposals. In this connection 5 firms submitted technical as well as financial proposals. The technical bids were evaluated by a committee. As result of evaluation three firms were technically qualified whose financial bids were opened on Friday, M/s CISPDR and MMP joint venture submitted the lowest bid.
In order to develop a perennial source of potable water supply for Islamabad and Rawalpindi which can meet present as well as future needs, Project regarding Conduction of Water from Indus River System at Tarbela Dam was initiated in 2004-05. Council of Common Interest (CCI) approved the project back in 2016. Ever since then, the project remained stalled.
Twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been facing acute shortage of potable water due to ever increasing population. In Islamabad the main sources of water supply are reservoirs built at Simly and Khanpur Dams, 192 tube wells and very few water works. At peak cumulative water production from these sources is around 80 million gallons per day which drops considerably during drought period. Rawalpindi also is facing water shortage.
Furthermore, PC- I for land acquisition for the project, which will be equally shared by the Federal Government and Punjab Government, was also approved by the CDWP. The Conduction of Water Project from Indus River System will be executed on PPP mode but land acquisition will be by Federal and Provincial governments with equal share.
For more information, contact:
Public Relations Directorate
Capital Development Authority (CDA)
Main Office, G-7/4, Islamabad
Tel: +92-51-9252614
Email: getreply@cda.gov.pk
Website: www.cda.gov.pk