RAWALPINDI:
Authorities have sought Rs10.4 billion to formally launch and meet initial expenditures of newly established Water and Sanitation Agencies (WASAs) in 22 districts across Punjab, including four in Rawalpindi Division.
A formal letter has been sent to the provincial government and the ministry of finance, stating that while the government has approved the establishment of new WASAs in an additional 23 districts, immediate funds are required to operationalise the 22 newly formed agencies.
The letter further states that each WASA requires Rs200 million in operational expenses for the remaining six months of the current financial year 2025-26, from January 1 to June 30, and calls for the immediate release of funds.
Prior to the formation of the new government, only five WASAs were operational in the province. The new government initially established 10 WASAs in Murree, Sialkot, and Jhelum, and subsequently expanded the WASA network to all district headquarters across Punjab.
Immediate funding is required for development works, routine operations, and salaries of employees and officers in the newly launched areas.
Sources warned that if funds are not released by January 31, shutdown of the new WASAs will begin.
According to the newly issued letter, urgent funds have been sought for WASAs in Chakwal, Attock, Talagang, Kasur, Chiniot, Khanewal, Bahawalnagar, Muzaffargarh, Mandi Bahauddin, Pakpattan, Vehari, Wazirabad, Lodhran, Khushab, Rajanpur, Bhakkar, Narowal, Mianwali, Toba Tek Singh, Kot Addu, and Taunsa.
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