Lahore: On the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab government is implementing strict measures to ensure the mandatory use of safety equipment during sewer line cleaning and industrial operations, with a particular focus on protecting the lives of sanitation workers.
To oversee the enforcement of these measures, a high-level meeting was held at the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Lahore on Saturday. The meeting was jointly chaired by Punjab Minister for Housing Bilal Yasin and Minister for Labour and Human Resources Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar.
Senior officials in attendance included WASA Vice Chairman Chaudhry Shehbaz, Secretary Labour Naeem Ghaus, Director General WASA Punjab Tayyab Fareed, and officers from the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore. Managing Directors of WASA offices in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, and Multan also participated via video link.
The meeting featured a comprehensive review of the safety kits and equipment currently used during the cleaning of manholes and trunk sewer lines. DG WASA Punjab Tayyab Fareed emphasized the life-threatening danger posed by toxic gases released during such operations, warning that failure to follow safety protocols could result in fatal consequences for workers.
Punjab Minister for Housing Bilal Yasin underscored the urgent need for strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across all sewer maintenance operations. He directed WASA Punjab to ensure that no sanitation worker is deployed without full protective gear. He also announced that an official circular detailing the safety standards will be issued to all housing societies in Punjab to guarantee province-wide compliance. In addition, he proposed the introduction of a phased training and monitoring program for field staff to institutionalize safety practices.
Punjab Minister for Labour and Human Resources Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar highlighted the irreplaceable value of human life, stating, ‘No compensation can restore a lost life. Prevention through precaution is our only option.’ He declared that the use of safety equipment will now be strictly mandatory in all factories and industrial establishments across Punjab.
Reaffirming the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Labour Minister announced a zero-tolerance policy for any sewer cleaning or industrial task carried out without proper safety equipment, whether under routine or emergency circumstances. He said the Punjab government is committed to protecting frontline workers and promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and human dignity across all sectors.