For city roads: Work on modern drainage system begins

LG minister says roadside drains being converted into sewers

PESHAWAR: Work on a modern drainage and sanitation system under the Municipal Services Program in the city was inaugurated on Saturday.

At the ceremony, Minister for Local Government Inayatullah Khan said the drainage system in the city will be improved; small drains on the roadsides are being converted into big underground sewers. He added in this system, rain and flood water will accumulate in the sewers and discharge into the river outside the city after being treated to make the water free of pollutants. The work that will be carried out in various localities of the city, including Gulbahar, Sikandar Town and Dalazak Road, would rid the main squares and bazaar of the city of overflowing drains and stagnant water.

Along the roads

Four main drains of 13 kilometres would be constructed, at an estimated cost of Rs500 million. Once completed, the city will have efficient drainage in the city.

Inayatullah said the programme, which has started in some areas, has improved the hygiene condition not only in Peshawar but all over the province. He added, rusted water pipes were being replaced with new ones. A monitoring committee headed by city district nazim Muhammad Asim has been constituted to keep watch on the quality of the work.

The local government minister regretted the city was not paid attention to by previous regimes in terms of development. “Such is the condition of cities in the entire province.”  However, Inayatullah assured his government would not allow Peshawar to be ignored.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 10^th, 2016.