Sustainable Water Supply System for Islamabad – The Capital of Pakistan

Abstract

World Water Development Report (2013) developed global physical and economic water scarcity map exhibiting Pakistan under ‘physical water scarcity’ and ‘approaching physical water scarcity’. Pakistan is a water stressed country with 1700 cm/c/d water availability, destined to become water stressed by the year 2035. Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan is facing a huge gap of 52% in the water supply in comparison to the water demand in city. It has a population of 2,006,572 with an annual growth rate of 4.71%. Around 58 MGD water is being provided in the city while the actual demand of the city was 120 MGD. This study aims to investigate the existing situation of water supply system in Islamabad and assessing the issues pertaining to sustainable supply of water. The indicators of sustainable supply of water have been reviewed. Case studies regarding water supply situation, challenges faced, and sustainable solutions and strategies adopted, in developed and developing world, have also been discussed. Structured interviews have been carried out with concerned government officials at Municipal Corporation Islamabad to gather their opinions and issues about the subject matter. Public perception survey has been carried out from select sample in Zone-I residential sectors of Islamabad to inquire resident’s satisfaction level regarding water supply system and their willingness to contribute if any interventions/improvements are carried out. The study revealed that un-metered water supply is being provided to nearly all residents of Zone-I of Islamabad through MCI pipelined water supply. One-third of the water being supplied is lost due to line losses and illegal connections/water theft. The system is old laid, damaged and expenses borne on water supply are 6-8 times more than the recovery made. YIS Satisfaction Index developed through public opinion survey shows that the respondents are not satisfied with the volume/quantity, pressure, quality, continuity (both in summers and winters), schedule of supply, xv service quality and overall management of the water supply system. They graded the water tariff being charged as normal and are willing to pay more than double of existing in case of improvements/interventions in water supply system. Recommendations for control of leakage, illegal connections/water theft have been drawn, along with, allocation of budget for maintenance of reservoirs and supply system; quantifying the exact demand in capital based on latest standards, realization of planned projects; and metering and pricing of the system to ascertain efficient use of water supply.