ISLAMABAD – The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved $235 million to improve Lahore’s water and wastewater system.
The project will help ensure a safe water supply and reduce the environmental damage caused by untreated sewage flowing into the River Ravi. It will also support the Lahore Water and Sanitation Agency (LWASA) in becoming more efficient and financially sustainable.
Lahore faces two major problems — lack of clean water and untreated wastewater. The new project will build infrastructure to bring water from the Banbawala Ravi Bedian Depalpur (BRBD) Canal and set up a new surface water treatment plant.
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It also aims to replace leaking old pipes and install water meters in every home, as 90% of connections are currently unmetered. This will help reduce water losses, stop contamination, and prevent waste.
Currently, all sewage from homes and industries flows untreated into the River Ravi, which provides most of Lahore’s groundwater. The pollution is now causing serious health problems like diarrhea, hepatitis, and typhoid.
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AIIB funding will also support the construction of six wastewater treatment plants, three of which will be financed by AIIB, while the rest will be funded by other international partners.
Officials say the project will mark a big step toward making Lahore a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable city.