The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop an integrated Water Supply, Sewerage and Drainage Master Plan for the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).
CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Sohail Ashraf signed the agreement on behalf of CDA, while JICA Detailed Planning Survey Team Leader MIYAGAWA Masahito signed for JICA during a ceremony at CDA Headquarters. The initiative marks a significant step in Pakistan-Japan cooperation to strengthen Islamabad’s water management infrastructure and ensure sustainable water resources.
The 36-month technical cooperation project will cover all five ICT zones, with detailed facility planning for Zone 1 and strategic assessments of Zones 2 to 5. The master plan will use 2050 as its target year and establish short-, medium- and long-term strategies for water supply, sewerage, sanitation and drainage services.
The project will assess Islamabad’s surface and groundwater resources, future water demand, treatment and distribution systems, storage capacity, water quality, leakage reduction and infrastructure maintenance. It will also evaluate potential water sources and proposed dams and other water supply projects while considering climate risks, environmental impacts and financial requirements.
Sewerage and sanitation planning will cover both sewered and non-sewered areas, including wastewater collection and treatment, decentralized treatment systems, on-site sanitation and fecal-sludge management. The plan will also assess stormwater drainage networks, natural streams and flood-prone areas to improve drainage capacity and strengthen the capital’s resilience to flooding.
Digital transformation will be another key component, with proposed improvements including digital customer records, meter reading, billing, asset management, leakage detection, water-quality monitoring and complaint handling. Pilot initiatives may also focus on water metering, supply monitoring and improved customer service.
The master plan will incorporate climate-resilient measures such as water conservation, diversification of water sources, treated wastewater reuse, groundwater recharge and energy-efficient pumping. It will also consider affordability, equitable access and the needs of vulnerable communities.
A Joint Coordination Committee chaired by the CDA Chairman will oversee project coordination and progress. CDA and Islamabad Water will work with the JICA Mission Team to develop the master plan while strengthening institutional capacity and coordination among government agencies, developers and other stakeholders.
The draft Record of Discussions is tentatively expected to be signed in late November 2026, subject to the completion of required procedures, while the technical cooperation project is expected to begin in March 2027.
The CDA-JICA initiative is aimed at creating a modern, efficient and climate-resilient water management system for Islamabad, supporting long-term water security, improved public services and sustainable urban development.
