WASA braces for monsoon season

72 generators have been installed at major disposal stations

LAHORE: The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has established 26 emergency camps and installed 72 generators to cope with any untoward situation during the forthcoming monsoon season in the city.

The agency has taken the initiative following a directive by Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. Wasa Managing Director Chaudhry Naseer Ahmad said 72 generators had been installed at all major disposal and sensitive lift stations to ensure the smooth flow of pumping operations. He said all important low-lying areas in the metropolis had been identified and heavy machinery would be promptly deployed there to ensure the quick disposal of rainwater.

He said the Wasa had cleaned all drains in the city. Ahmad said the initiative had been supervised by concerned XENs and SDOs. He said mobile teams had also been equipped with disposal pumps. Ahmad said the teams would function around-the-clock in their respective jurisdictions.

The Wasa MD said a complaint centre had been established in every locality. He said the centres would function under the supervision of SDOs.

Ahmed said the centres had been established to deal with any eventuality that may arise during monsoon season.

He said both Wasa deputy managing directors had been instructed to monitor staff performance in their respective jurisdictions to ensure that timely action was taken in the case of any emergency.

Wasa Deputy Managing Director Asghar Bhalli said the agency’s entire workforce had been placed on high alert. He said the Wasa would employ all resources at its disposal. He said personnel from the Lahore Waste Management Company and the Town Municipal Administration would work alongside Wasa staff.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28^th, 2015.