Lahore: Punjab Minister for Housing and Urban Development Bilal Yasin on Saturday directed the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) to maintain round-the-clock preparedness during the ongoing monsoon spell, warning that any delay in rainwater drainage would not be tolerated.
Chairing a video-link meeting to review monsoon preparedness across the province, the minister received briefings from Director General WASA Punjab Tayyab Farid and managing directors of WASA in different districts on operational readiness and contingency measures.
Bilal Yasin said monitoring of field operations would be further strengthened, adding that office staff would also oversee on-ground performance to ensure timely response during rainfall. He announced that wearing uniforms would be mandatory for all WASA personnel, while the performance of field staff would be monitored through a geo-location-based tracking system to improve accountability and efficiency.
The minister directed that desilting operations should continue without interruption and instructed the DG WASA to ensure the immediate deployment of additional workforce and machinery wherever required. He said that in case of any emergency, machinery from adjoining districts, along with resources from WASA Lahore, would be mobilised to provide operational support.
Bilal Yasin also instructed all WASA managing directors to assign dedicated staff for submitting regular reports on rainwater drainage in low-lying areas and the condition of manholes. He directed that all disposal stations, dewatering machinery, generators and special complaint cells should remain fully operational throughout the monsoon season.
The minister further emphasised the need for immediate coordination among all relevant departments to ensure a swift and effective response to any rain-related emergency.