Fickle Weather: Afternoon rain brings smiles to many faces

LWMC devises plan to keep city clean on Eid holidays.

LAHORE: Parts of the city received rain on Sunday, as the Met Office forecast more rains during Eid holidays.

A 30-minute downpour was reported in Johar Town, Nishtar Town, Iqbal Town and adjoining areas. Two millimeters of rain was recorded on Jail Road and lighter showers at the airport.

“The rain was heavy. I found it difficult to ride my motorcycle on roads flooded with rainwater,” said Junaid Akhlaq, a resident of Johar Town.

“I am happy… the downpour has provided us relief from days of simmering heat,” said Akhlaq who was shopping in the Township market.

Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) has tasked 1,000 officials with draining rainwater during the rainy season, a company spokesperson said.

The LWMC has also set up a control room to monitor sanitation arrangements.

Managing Director Khalid Majeed would pay surprise visits to evaluate sanitation workers’ performance. Strict action would be taken against officials failing to clear choked sewer lines, the spokesperson said. The LWMC’s field staff will remain on duty during Eid holidays. The company has prepared a plan to clean the city during Eid holidays. A special campaign would be launched to clean public places, including markets the night before Eid, the spokesperson said.

Major mosques and places dedicated for Eid prayers will also be cleaned. Water would be sprinkled and lime applied on major city roads and pavements.

Modern gadgets would be used to record and monitor cleanliness arrangements, the spokesperson said. The data, including pictures, will be available on LWMC’s website.

The LWMC will launch an awareness campaign at Lahore Zoo and Race Course Park to sensitise people about sanitation, two days after Eid.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 28^th, 2014.