Rawalpindi's Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) is facing a daunting challenge as 21 government departments from both federal and Punjab governments have defaulted on bills worth millions of rupees. According to reliable WASA sources, the total outstanding amount stands at a staggering Rs. 82.1 million. These departments, entrusted with serving the public, have failed to pay their dues despite utilizing WASA's vital water resources. Among the major defaulters, the Department of Education leads the pack with a debt exceeding Rs. 1.34 million, followed closely by the Department of Parks and Culture owing over Rs. 1.93 million. The Taxila Municipal Administration (TMA) is also in the spotlight with arrears exceeding Rs. 3.28 million. Shockingly, even essential services like the Police Building Department and the Sports Board find themselves in default, with a collective debt of Rs. 0.7 million.

The Health Department, Metro Bus Service, and Punjab Cooperative Department collectively owe over Rs. 10 million to WASA. Other notable defaulters include the Housing Department, Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), and Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), with arrears surpassing 3.65 million. Even crucial entities like the District Election Commission, Forest Department, Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), and Income Tax are on the list of defaulters. WASA Rawalpindi has taken decisive action, issuing notices to all defaulting departments to settle their outstanding arrears promptly. The failure to address this issue could severely impact WASA's ability to continue providing essential services to the citizens of Rawalpindi.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan