Lahore: In view of the fourth spell of monsoon, a special alert has been issued to all districts including WASA Punjab. A detailed review of the arrangements to deal with the rains was taken in a video link meeting chaired by Minister for Housing and Urban Development Bilal Yasin, in which
DG WASA Punjab Tayyab Farid and MDs of various districts briefed on the preparations and performance.
It was decided in the meeting that now not only field operations but also office staff will directly monitor drainage and other activities. Wearing uniforms has been made mandatory for all WASA field employees, while their presence and performance will be monitored through a geo-location system.
The minister directed that the de-silting (cleaning of drains) process will not stop under any circumstances,
while the DG WASA was directed to take immediate steps to ensure the provision of additional staff and machinery. He said that in any emergency, the machinery of the adjoining districts and WASA Lahore will provide full support to other districts.
Bilal Yasin directed all MDs to submit regular reports on the drainage of low-lying areas, the status of manholes and field operations. All disposal stations, de-watering machinery, generators and special complaint cells were also directed to be kept fully functional.
The minister clarified that no delay in drainage will be tolerated during rains, while in case of emergency, immediate communication and joint action should be ensured between all relevant institutions so that timely relief can be provided to the citizens.