“Says Waste Water Treatment will reduce environmental pollution”
Mian Rashid Asghar
FAISALABAD: Danish Ambassador Mr. Rolf Holmboe in his visit to WASA Faisalabad appreciate the Punjab government and local administration for putting into process the project of Waste Water Treatment” costing 15 billion rupees.
Vice Chairman Mian Irfan Manan” and Managing Director, WASA Engineer Faqir Muhammad Chaudhary” also hailed the project being initiated for the benefit common masses.
It may be recalled here that Chief Minister Punjab Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif during his visit and meeting in February this year with the Danish Ambassador Mr. Owlay Thonkey formally approved this project of WASA being financially assisted by Demark and further
requested Danish Ambassador for a quick feasibility study.
In the presence of Danish Ambassador Mr. Rolf Holmboe Deputy Head of mission Mr. Ulrich Sorensen and WASA officials signed the “Memorandum of Understanding” and exchanged the documents thereon.
Speaking on the occasion Danish Ambassador said that Danish government was pleased to extend monetary assistance to this mega project of Waste Water Treatment in the third largest and effectively progressing industrial city of Pakistan. He said that the project would not only be instrumental in reducing environmental pollution but formers of the region will also get benefited by getting enough water for farming purpose. Referring to other projects being funded by Danish government ambassador Holmboe said that these projects were an excellent example of friendly relations between the two countries (Denmark and Pakistan).
Managing Director Faqir Muhammad Choudhry, highlighted the importance of this project and observed that total sewerage generated in Faisalabad is about 310 million gallons per day. “At the moment WASA have only a small waste water treatment plant of 20 MGD capacity in the western side of the city and rest of the whole waste water is being disposed of into River Ravi & Chenab without treatment, which is causing hazards for the inhabitants living along downstream of the Rivers”, he said adding that the provision of waste water treatment services is also an obligation as per Pakistan Environmental Protection Laws.
Pertinently, a feasibility study is required to determine the suitable sites and appropriate technology for waste water treatment plants to which Demark will grant 35% of the cost amount and remaining 65% will be provided on soft loan basis, whereas 50 million rupees will be spent on feasibility study and feasibility study of this Mega Project, which will be completed in the next 5 months. With the completion of this waste water treatment project will help to recycle 150 MGD the wasted amount of water present in the eastern part of Faisalabad, making it capable for using it again for cultivation purposes and pushing it 90 Km away into “River Ravi” through Madonna drain.
Managing Director, WASA said that the project requires 269 Acres of Government Land which is being transferred to WASA Faisalabad after the NOC certificate is issued by DC Faisalabad.
“The feasibility study is expected to recommend construction of waste water treatment plants in Eastern as well as in Western areas to treat all the waste water generated in Faisalabad. It will also facilitate construction of treatment plants by international contractors through Danish funding”, he further added.
Hiring of Consultants by Danish Authorities / WASA, Various options may be recommended for construction of waste water treatment plants in Faisalabad in the final report of Feasibility Study. Danish Authorities have shown interest in financing in construction of one of the waste water treatment plants. Mode of financing for waste water treatment plant will be 65% Soft Loan and 35% Grant by Danish Government.