ADB-Backed Water Project Faces Delays, Residents Demand Speed

Adnan Bacha

Mingora: The Mingora Greater Water Supply Scheme, initially launched by the previous PTI government to provide clean water to the main city of Swat, is now expected to be completed by January 2026.

Despite being supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the project has faced significant delays and remains unfinished after two years. However, authorities remain optimistic about meeting the revised deadline.

The Rs 30 billion project aims to provide clean drinking water to 25 union councils of Mingora, ensuring supply until 2050.

According to the Water and Sanitation Services Company (WSSC) Swat, the scheme is progressing steadily. Manager of Operations and Engineering, Zeeshan Pervez, reported that 57 percent of the work has been completed, with 275 kilometers of pipeline already laid.

Reducing Dependence on Groundwater

“This is the first project utilizing water from the Swat River, reducing dependence on groundwater and mitigating the effects of climate change on local water resources,” Pervez stated. He added that all existing water tanks in Mingora will be reconstructed, and new connections will be installed directly to residents’ homes.The project includes comprehensive environmental and social assessments to ensure sustainable implementation. An Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) was conducted in November 2021 to assess potential impacts and develop mitigation strategies.

As of February 2025, the project is actively progressing, with various components either under construction or in the procurement phase. The ADB continues to oversee and support the project, emphasizing its significance for sustainable urban development in the region.

Construction Disruptions

Despite progress, the ongoing excavation work is causing significant inconvenience for Mingora’s residents. Roads have been dug up and left unfinished, leading to traffic congestion and daily difficulties in movement.

Local resident Zubair Khan voiced frustration over the slow progress. “Two years have passed, yet the pipeline hasn’t been laid. The excavation work is scattered across the city, causing constant traffic jams. The pace is frustratingly slow, and elected officials seem indifferent,” he said.Slow Work Sparks Citizen Outcry

Another resident, Hameed ur Rehman, criticized the delay, stating that the government has the necessary machinery to expedite the project. “If the authorities were motivated, they could finish the work in just a week.

Instead, after two years of delays, we now have to wait until 2026,” he lamented.

WSSC officials acknowledge the inconvenience faced by citizens but assure that efforts are being made to complete the project efficiently. Manager Zeeshan Pervez highlighted significant achievements, including the completion of 275 kilometers of pipeline and over 145 kilometers of concrete work.

“By January 2026, the people of Mingora will start reaping the full benefits of this transformative project,” Pervez affirmed, emphasizing the long-term improvements to the city’s water supply.