The Punjab Housing Department has fast-tracked the expansion of Water and Sanitation Agencies (WASA) and development of new regulations for commercial building facades in Lahore.
According to Housing Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal, the establishment of WASA offices in 10 districts is nearing completion. In a new phase, the department has launched the process of forming additional agencies in Murree, Gujrat, and Sheikhupura. Dedicated district teams have been constituted for each location, and formal notifications have been issued.
The teams in Gujrat and Sheikhupura will review and revise existing PC-1 project documents, while the Murree team — where no prior documentation exists — has been tasked with preparing a new PC-1. Each team has been given a 10-day deadline to complete its work.
"These revisions will include feasibility studies, design evaluations, quantity analyses, and cost estimates," Mengal said. "Our objective is to ensure high-quality project outcomes while maximising cost efficiency."
He added that rationalising cost estimates, where needed, would help streamline implementation. Once finalised, the newly established agencies will bring the total number of operational WASA offices in Punjab to 18, significantly expanding the province's capacity to manage wastewater and sanitation services.
In a parallel move to promote sustainable urban development, the housing department has initiated the drafting of façade regulations for commercial buildings in Lahore. The proposed rules aim to preserve the city's historic character while improving architectural uniformity and addressing urban congestion.
The regulations will cover building facades, signboards, and spaces between buildings and roadways used for parking or landscaping. In a recent meeting, Secretary Mengal directed the director general of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to expedite the drafting of the regulations.
"The haphazard construction of facades and the unchecked proliferation of signboards are diminishing the beauty of our historic city," Mengal said. He stressed the need for climate-resilient, aesthetically coherent urban design that reflects Lahore's heritage.
To support building owners in complying with the new rules, the department will launch an e-Façade Bank — a digital repository of pre-approved design templates. The platform is expected to streamline approvals, promote visual consistency, and simplify regulatory compliance.
Building owners will be given a grace period to align with the regulations. However, those found in violation after the deadline will face legal action under the prescribed enforcement framework.
Meanwhile, Sargodha Commissioner Jahanzeb Awan presided over a meeting of the District Transition Committee to review progress and plan future steps for establishment of WASA in the division.
According to a spokesperson, the participants of the meeting reviewed the transfer of sewerage and water supply schemes, assets, land, machinery, and staff from the municipal corporation to WASA.
Managing Director Azizullah Khan gave a briefing, saying that 242 sanitation workers from the municipal corporation are proposed to be appointed as sewer men in WASA, with salaries and special accounts. He said details of water supply, disposal, machinery, and property have been compiled, and a list of vehicles has been prepared.
With additional input from APP
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