Punjab minister stresses solid steps to tackle urban flooding

LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafiq held a meeting to detailed review of the arrangements to tackle the monsoon rains.

During the meeting at WASA headquarters, it was decided that monsoon operations would be monitored through Safe City cameras.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner Zaid bin Maqsood, Deputy Commissioner Rafia Haider, WASA Managing Director Ghufran Ahmad, and Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) Managing Director Babar Sahib Deen.

During the meeting, WASA Managing Director Ghufran Ahmad briefed the minister on the monsoon plan. The minister directed that special attention be given to 31 underpasses during the rains, emphasising that traffic flow should not be disrupted during the cleaning operations.

He directed that staff from LWMC, Municipal Corporation Lahore (MCL), and Lahore Development Authority (LDA) be deployed at WASA relief camps.

He urged all line departments to work cohesively to ensure maximum facilitation for the general public. He reported that 5,900 field workers work in shifts around the clock.

He warned that no slackness would be tolerated in achieving the targets set by the chief minister. He mentioned that the central monsoon control room was established at the WASA office, with representatives from the line departments.

He stated that officers must remain in the field during rain and until the water is fully drained. The minister called for a comparison of rainfall and management measures with those of other regional countries.

He stressed that all possible steps would be taken to tackle urban flooding. Noting some deficiencies at certain locations, he strictly instructed that staff must use gloves while performing drainage work.

He stated that there are 12 disposal and 112 lift stations operated by WASA in Lahore. The number of emergency relief camps under WASA’s management will be increased from the current 22 camps.

He directed the MCL to establish its own emergency camps. The minister asked the deputy commissioner for detailed monsoon plans at the tehsil level in Lahore and instructed the WASA MD to personally inspect the drainage arrangements at the underpasses located on the Ring Road.

Commissioner Zaid bin Maqsood informed that arrangements were reviewed in joint meetings after rain. He mentioned that the drainage process was completed in most areas of city within half an hour after the rain the previous day.