Water sector reforms: CDA begins consultation with AFD

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has begun formal consultations with the French Development Agency (AFD) to launch large-scale reforms in Islamabad’s water sector, including modernisation of the Islamabad Water Agency, rehabilitation of key infrastructure, and the introduction of a citywide water-metering system.

The initiative marks a major step toward sustainable water management and improved service delivery in the federal capital.

Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, held a detailed meeting with the AFD delegation at CDA Headquarters on Friday.

Both sides reviewed potential avenues for institutional capacity building, technical assistance, and modernization of Islamabad’s water infrastructure. Randhawa emphasised that CDA is prioritizing sustainable and technologically advanced solutions to ensure uninterrupted access to clean and safe drinking water for residents.

He said that the Islamabad Water Agency is being strengthened through improved HR systems, advanced equipment, and digital reforms aimed at reducing water wastage, eliminating line losses, and promoting conservation across the city.

Officials briefed the delegation that the first phase of reforms will focus on modernizing the agency’s institutional framework, enhancing revenue mechanisms, and digitizing operations. Rehabilitation of Simly Dam water treatment plants, transmission mains, and service reservoirs is also planned.

The meeting further discussed the implementation of a comprehensive water-metering system to improve monitoring, billing, and efficient consumption.

The AFD delegation assured CDA that a feasibility study will soon be launched to assess the technical and financial requirements of the proposed water projects. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to leveraging AFD’s expertise to advance Islamabad’s long-term water sustainability goals.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025