Water and sanitation: New machines to help locate, fix leaks

Japanese agency hands over equipment to five WASAs.

LAHORE: The Japanese have extended a helping hand to the Punjab government in fixing the sewerage system by handing over some leak-detection and repair machinery to sanitation agencies.

The machinery was handed over by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to officials of five water and sanitation agencies (WASAs) in a ceremony held at the Al-Jazari Academy on Thursday under the project ‘Improving Capacities of WASAs in Punjab’.

Al- Jazari Academy Principal Dr Kiran Farhan briefed about the capacity-building project, technically supported by the JICA, and discussed proper and effective utilisation of these equipment for preventing and repairing leakages.

The machinery handed over to WASAs, included non-metallic pipe locator, metal locator and multi-gas meter, which would enhance operations and maintenance and service delivery in Punjab.

Leakage detection expert Chiaki Suzuki gave a demonstration of the equipment use, including its safety, upkeep and maintenance. The non-metallic pipe locator and metal locator will be used for leakage detection in pipelines and will be beneficial for repair, whereas multi-gas meter was useful for sewerage and drainage purposes.

“Our aim is to facilitate WASAs and their staff with capacity-building sessions and organise study visits. After providing this technically sound equipment, we are looking forward to see improved functioning of all five agencies,” Dr Kiran said.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 17^th, 2017.