Islamabad’s water infrastructure: Govt of South Korea extends a helping hand to CDA

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the government of South Korea have agreed to collaborate on the design and deployment of advanced technologies for Islamabad’s water infrastructure.

The initiative aims to introduce real-time monitoring systems, automated groundwater sensors, and modern wastewater treatment facilities to ensure a reliable supply of clean water and to address long-standing water challenges in the capital.

The announcement came during a meeting between CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa and a South Korean delegation at the CDA Headquarters on Monday.

The delegation comprised representatives from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and senior Korean water experts. CDA’s Member Planning and Design Dr. Khalid Hafeez, Director General of the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), and Director General of Islamabad Water were also in attendance.

Chairman Randhawa stated that CDA is moving toward a data-driven water management model, combining local infrastructure development with international technical expertise to secure Islamabad’s water future.

During the briefing, officials shared details about the newly established Islamabad Water Agency, which will oversee projects related to aquifer recharge, wastewater recycling, and surface water conservation. Under this plan, CDA has initiated the construction of 100 recharge wells to restore groundwater levels, 20 reservoirs to capture clean stormwater, and 11 wetlands to naturally treat wastewater and prevent pollution in city drains.

The Korean delegation offered technical support for developing a real-time Water Resource Monitoring System and deploying 110 automated piezometers across Islamabad. They also proposed training and capacity-building programs to strengthen the city’s institutional capabilities in sustainable water governance.

Chairman Randhawa directed that these collaborative projects be pursued on a fast-track basis with clear timelines, emphasizing CDA’s goal of ensuring the clean and uninterrupted water supply through innovation and partnerships.

Both sides agreed to enhance technical cooperation and accelerate joint efforts to make Islamabad a model city for smart water management in the region, drawing on South Korea’s globally recognized expertise in the field.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025