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The Local Government, Elections and Rural Development Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has announced the installation of water flow meters in Peshawar, Kohat, Abbottabad, and Mingora as part of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cities Improvement Project. This initiative aims to promote water conservation, improve monitoring, and reduce water wastage across major urban centers.
Officials stated that the project includes SCADA systems for tube wells and replacement of old, rusted pipelines to tackle non-revenue water, control over-extraction of groundwater, and cut operational costs for water utilities.
“Aging infrastructure and excessive groundwater extraction have led to leakages, wastage, and declining water supply, especially during peak summer months,” said a department spokesperson.
Authorities have raised concerns over declining groundwater levels in all four cities due to population growth and climate impacts. Reports from Water and Sanitation Services Companies indicate that aquifers are falling steadily, and without corrective measures, water levels may drop below natural recharge capacity. Residents have increasingly relied on private borewells and water tankers as municipal supply struggles to meet growing demand.
The project will replace large sections of old pipelines, install smart monitoring systems, and improve water quality. Officials emphasized that these steps are crucial to ensuring sustainable water supply and addressing long-term urban water stress.
