Islamabad is moving closer to resolving years of water shortages as the Capital Development Authority explores public-private partnerships to strengthen the city’s water delivery and infrastructure The CDA has approved significant water-supply projects including laying external water supply lines for key facilities like the Model Prison and the Jinnah Medical Complex in Sector H-16 The projects are part of a broader strategy to improve reliability and quality of water access across all sectors

Under these plans a newly established Islamabad Water utility will play a pivotal role The utility will take over water supply sewerage and drainage operations in the city on a cost recovery basis The CDA has approved funds to hire technical consultants during the transition period to ensure operational efficiency and smooth service delivery

CDA currently provides around sixty to seventy million gallons of water per day to urban areas whereas demand is estimated to be more than two hundred twenty million gallons daily Population growth climate change and infrastructure decay have widened the gap considerably

The PPP model provides advantages such as leveraging private investment for infrastructure upgrades faster project execution and improved accountability The authority aims to attract private sector expertise to modernize water networks reduce losses from leaky pipelines and ensure uninterrupted supply

In addition to pipeline and supply network projects several other measures are being explored including rainwater harvesting recharge wells and improvements in sewage treatment upgrade of water sources and optimizing use of existing dams These measures will help Islamabad reduce dependence on overstretched sources like Simly Dam Khanpur Dam and boreholes

By committing to public-private partnership projects CDA aims not only to reduce the water deficit but also to improve service standards encourage sustainability increase revenue collection and build resilience against future water crises

If implemented properly these initiatives under PPP can transform Islamabad’s water landscape ensuring equitable access better quality water supply and relief to communities long burdened by shortages