No breakthrough in dispute over NOCs for tube wells
A meeting between the CDA, Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry and WASA failed to settle the dispute over cancelled NOCs for 15 tube wells meant for Rawalpindi. The matter has now been referred to the CDA’s Technical Committee.
ISLAMABAD: A meeting between Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Federal Parliamentary Secretary Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry and Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Managing Director Azizullah Khan failed to produce a resolution in the dispute over the cancellation of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for 15 under-construction tube wells intended to improve water supply to Rawalpindi.
The matter has now been referred to the CDA’s Technical Committee for further consideration after discussions between the two sides ended without agreement. Senior officials of both organisations also attended the meeting held on Sunday, where WASA argued in favour of continuing the project while the CDA defended its decision to withdraw the approvals.
Project stalled after approvals withdrawn
WASA had initiated a Rs1.4 billion scheme to install 15 tube wells along the service road from Faizabad to Koral Chowk to strengthen water supply in several areas of Rawalpindi. Work had already progressed on part of the project before the dispute emerged.
Boring for nine of the planned tube wells has been completed, while the process for securing electricity connections was in progress. Work on the remaining six had not yet started when the CDA withdrew the NOCs that had earlier been issued for the scheme.
CDA cites impact on Islamabad areas
The CDA reportedly rescinded the approvals on the grounds that the proposed tube wells could cause water shortages in nearby parts of Islamabad. During Sunday’s meeting, WASA presented its position in support of the installations, but officials said the extensive discussions did not result in any breakthrough.
Officials said WASA has already spent a substantial amount on the project, including the completed boring work on nine tube wells, payments made to IESCO for electricity connections, and contracts awarded for boring the remaining six sites. The issue will now go before the CDA Technical Committee for a more detailed review.
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