Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa on Friday held a meeting with a delegation of the French Development Agency (AFD) to discuss potential cooperation in reforms and improvement projects in the water sector.
Discussions centred on institutional capacity-building of the Islamabad Water Agency and technical assistance for upgrading water supply systems across the capital. Randhawa told the delegation that CDA was prioritizing modern and sustainable solutions to ensure uninterrupted access to clean and safe drinking water for residents.
He said efforts were underway to equip the Islamabad Water Agency with advanced technology, improved HR systems and modernized operational tools.
Measures were also being taken to curb water wastage, reduce line losses and encourage conservation, he added. Officials briefed the delegation that the first phase of reforms would focus on modernizing the institutional and administrative structure of the water agency.
This would include digitization, financial strengthening and rehabilitation of key infrastructure such as the Simly Dam treatment plants, transmission mains and service reservoirs.
The implementation of a comprehensive water-metering system in Islamabad also came under discussion.
The AFD delegation said a detailed feasibility study would be initiated to assess the technical and financial aspects of proposed water projects.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to utilising AFD’s expertise and technical support for reforms in Islamabad’s water sector.
The meeting, was attended by Member Administration Talat Mahmood, Member Planning and Design Dr Khalid Hafiz, Member Finance Tahir Naeem, Member Environment Esfandyar Baloch and other senior officials.
