CDA Chairman Discusses Water Sector Reforms with French Development Agency (AFD)

Date: Apr 06, 2025

ISLAMABAD: December 5, 2025: Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, held a meeting with a delegation from the French Development Agency, AFD at the CDA Headquarters on Thursday regarding potential support for water-related projects. The meeting was attended by Member Administration of the CDA Board, Talat Mahmood, Member Planning and Design, Dr. Khalid Hafiz, Member Finance Tahir Naeem, Member Environment, Esfandyar Baloch along with other senior officers. During the meeting, discussions were held with the AFD delegation regarding reforms and improvement projects in the water sector. The primary objective of this meeting was to explore avenues for institutional capacity building of the Islamabad Water Agency and for technical assistance and cooperation for water improvement in Islamabad. Chairman CDA, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, said that CDA is paying special attention to adopting modern and sustainable solutions for ensuring the uninterrupted supply of clean and safe water to the citizens of the Federal Capital, Islamabad. He said that comprehensive measures are being taken to equip the Islamabad Water Agency with modern facilities, improved HR systems, and advanced technology and equipment. Chairman CDA said that these measures include numerous initiatives to prevent water wastage, eliminate line losses, and promote water usage and conservation. During the briefing, it was said that in the first phase, the institutional and administrative structure of Islamabad Water will be modernized. Under this, increased revenue and financial stability will be ensured through a modern HR system and digitization. Similarly, measures will also be taken for the rehabilitation of the Simly Dam water treatment plants, transmission mains and service reservoirs. The meeting also included discussions on effectively implementing a water metering system in Islamabad. AFD delegation said that in this regard, a comprehensive feasibility study will be initiated to review the technical and financial aspects of various water projects in Islamabad. At the conclusion of the meeting, there was a reaffirmation of the commitment to fully benefit from AFD's technical assistance and expertise for reforms in the water sector in Islamabad.