The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) is preparing to introduce modern water meters across all its cities in Punjab to improve billing accuracy and reduce water wastage.
Under this plan, advanced meters, similar to those used for electricity and gas, will be installed so consumers are charged for their actual usage.
Officials believe the step will help curb water theft and illegal connections, as every household will have its own meter. The project will be overseen by BS-19 officer Shazil Waqar, who has been appointed as Project Director for the installation.
This initiative is part of a wider programme approved by WASA, which also includes two major projects aimed at strengthening water management and infrastructure in 41 cities across Punjab. The total estimated cost of these projects is around Rs5 billion.
One of the key projects focuses on building recharge wells to help restore falling groundwater levels. It is being led by BS-19 officer Imran Qureshi and will direct rainwater underground during the monsoon season.
Authorities plan to protect open spaces near parks, roads, offices and commercial areas so rainwater is not lost through drainage systems. Modern methods will be used to ensure the water is absorbed quickly into the ground.
Read Also PIA to restart direct flights to London after six-year
The recharge wells project has already been implemented in Lahore, where groundwater levels have dropped beyond 700 feet due to drought, low rainfall, limited open land and increased use of tube wells in both public and private sectors.
Another major part of the plan is the Punjab Development Programme II, which will see new drainage and sewerage systems designed and installed in 34 newly established WASA cities.
Work under the first phase has already started in 16 cities, while development in the remaining areas will begin after Eid. Preparations for designing sanitation and drainage networks are also underway.
Senior BS-20 officer and Managing Director WASA Lahore, Ghufran Ahmed, has been given additional responsibility as Project Director for this programme while continuing his current role.
Officials say dedicated project heads have been appointed to ensure smooth progress and timely completion. In the future, the government plans to shift water supply towards surface sources such as dams and rivers, reducing reliance on groundwater extracted through tube wells.