KPCIP to modernize water, sanitation delivery services: LG Minister
PESHAWAR (APP): Caretaker Minister for Local Government Election, Rural Development and Public Health Engineering Departments, Engineer Amir Durrani, has emphasized that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cities Improvement Project (KPCIP) was set to revolutionize water and sanitation services delivery in five divisional cities of the province.
“The rehabilitation and reconstruction of water supply, sewerage and sanitation systems are align with international standards, bringing significant improvements to the health of citizens and the environment of cities,” remarked Minister Amir Durrani during his visit to the KPCIP office here Tuesday.
He was accompanied by Secretary LGE&RDD Muhammad Dawood Khan. Project Director Syed Zafar Ali Shah, Director Compliance Directorate KPCIP Amir Alam Khan, Director Technical Mian Muhammad Shakeel, and Director Finance Qazi Raees briefed the minister on technical, financial, and social safeguards aspects of the project.
The project director highlighted key initiatives in Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat, Abbottabad, and Mingora.
KPCIP was funded by the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. The project was designed to counter climate change, depleting groundwater levels, and increasing health concerns in mind.
“Under the swat greater water supply scheme, water from river Swat will be treated and supplied to the residents of Mingora city,” Syed Zafar Ali Shah said.
Additionally, streams and springs’ water will be channeled to a treatment plant near Choona in Abbottabad.
The treated water will be distributed through an extensive network of pipelines, reaching every household.
Furthermore, these cities will benefit from modern sanitation and sewerage systems, safeguarding groundwater and freshwater resources from contamination.
Shah highlighted an incorporation of recreational spaces such as parks equipped with open-air gyms, urban forests, benches, car parks, and cycle tracks.
These additions are expected to enhance the overall well-being of the residents and contribute positively to the cities’ environment.
Expressing his optimism, the minister underscored the short- and long-term benefits of the projects and stressed on the timely completion.
These projects are not only eco-friendly but will also generate employment opportunities for thousands while providing green spaces for relaxation.
Minister Durrani expressed his satisfaction with the current progress and asked the Project Director to ensure timely completion of the initiatives.
