Caretaker CM says admin working day and night

Maintains he is happy with performance of WASA, LDA and others

LAHORE: Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Dr Hasan Askari visited the rain-affected Lawrence Road, Lakshmi Chowk and GPO Chowk on Wednesday. He inspected WASA emergency monsoon camps set up at Lawrence Road and Lakshmi Chowk to check arrangements for the disposal of water.

He first went to WASA emergency monsoon camp on Lawrence Road where he was briefed about water disposal arrangements. On the occasion, he said that administration, WASA and other agencies ensured early disposal of water despite heavy rains. He added that the performance of administrative officers and other agencies was commendable.

“I have personally monitored the water disposal activities and reports have also been presented to me about it. I appreciate the performance of administration and WASA for what I have practically examined,” he said.

Later, he visited Lakshmi Chowk to visit the WASA emergency monsoon camp. He said all line departments exhibited the best teamwork despite heavy rains and worked hard to dispose of the rainwater. The CM added he was satisfied that water disposal was completed with continued and focused efforts. He pointed out that the state was responsible for solving the problems of citizens.



Talking to the media, he said that a 38-year record for rainfall had been broken in Lahore and water had accumulated on different roads as a result. “However, line departments worked as a team to deal with this challenge. Water has accumulated at Lakshmi Chowk whenever it rains as it is a low lying area. Our ministers also remained in the field.”

Askari continued that he was aware of the difficulties faced by citizens due to the stagnant water. “We will learn from this experience so as to better deal with such challenges if arisen again.”

To a question, he said that if all the line departments, including the administration, WASA, LDA and other agencies had not performed their duties, water would have still been standing in several areas.

“It is thanks to the performance of these agencies which have ensured the disposal of water by working day and night. The issue is not that who is responsible for this situation. The real issue is how to deal with this challenge and solve the problems of citizens,” he asserted.

Askari stated that a cabinet committee for flooding was formed constituted with provincial minister Zafar Mehmood in the chair. This said it is a permanent body prepared to deal with rains and possible floods. “However, torrential rains are beyond human expectations.”

The CM said the Punjab government also formed a four-member committee to determine the reasons behind the sinkhole appearing near on the road near the GPO Chowk. He added NESPAK would submit a report in this regard.

Askari rubbished claims that the concerned departments were not prepared. He said electricity failures occurred in heavy rains, but no generator-related problem had arisen in any area. To a question, he said long-term planning and funding was required to solve the issue of water stagnation at Lakshmi Chowk.

“Civic amenities should be increased and funds should also be enhanced to this end.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 5^th, 2018.