Effective sewerage, modern drainage systems being upgraded across Punjab: CM Maryam

Lahore (Web Desk): Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz on Saturday launched a major initiative to upgrade sewerage and drainage services throughout the province by formally handing over symbolic keys of newly purchased machinery to officials of the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) during a ceremony in Lahore.

Speaking on the occasion, the Punjab CM said that an effective sewerage and drainage system was essential for improving living standards in cities, adding that the provincial government was making substantial investments to modernise public infrastructure and enhance municipal services across Punjab.

She announced that the first phase of the initiative had been completed with the supply of 272 state-of-the-art machines, covering 12 different categories, to WASA units operating in 15 districts.

Maryam Nawaz added that the procurement process for another 696 machines was in progress and that these would soon be distributed among 41 districts.

During the briefing, Provincial Housing Minister Bilal Yasin and Housing Secretary Noor-ul-Amin Mengal informed the chief minister that the newly acquired equipment included sewer cleaning vehicles, desilting machines, dewatering pumps, water bowsers, tractors, excavators, suction units and several other specialised machines designed to improve maintenance work and strengthen emergency response capabilities.

CM Maryam said that the expansion of the WASA network from only two districts to 41 districts represented a significant milestone in extending standardised municipal services throughout Punjab.

She reaffirmed the government's resolve to modernise the province's sewerage infrastructure while addressing persistent challenges such as urban flooding and waterlogging.

During the ceremony, CM Maryam also interacted with WASA employees, praised their commitment to public service and joined them for a group photograph.

She expressed confidence that the addition of advanced machinery would not only boost the efficiency of sanitation operations but also provide safer and better working conditions for sanitation staff across the province.