‘Monsoon Deadline Set’: CM Maryam orders round-the-clock work on drainage projects

• Punjab CM directs completion of sewerage, rainwater schemes before June

• Says 2,265 km sewer lines, 189 km drainage pipelines planned across 15 cities with phase-I includes 86 disposal stations, 9 underground storage tanks

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has set a firm deadline for the completion of all sewerage and rainwater drainage projects across the province before the onset of the monsoon, directing authorities to ensure round-the-clock work to meet the timeline.

Chairing a special meeting, the chief minister stressed that all ongoing drainage schemes must be completed before June to effectively mitigate urban flooding risks during the rainy season.

Drainage projects are currently underway in Sargodha, Dera Ghazi Khan, Gujrat, Okara, Jhang, Multan, Sialkot, Jhelum, Hafizabad, Sahiwal, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, and Rawalpindi.

During the briefing, it was revealed that a total of 2,265 kilometres of sewerage lines and 189 kilometres of rainwater drainage pipelines will be laid across 15 cities. In the first phase, 86 disposal stations and nine underground storage tanks will be constructed, while 752 kilometres of roads will also be developed upon completion of the sewerage and drainage infrastructure.

The meeting also approved the design of WASA complexes for 15 cities, which will include hostel facilities for operational staff and officers to improve efficiency and response capacity.

Officials informed the chief minister that all projects are being monitored in real time through a dedicated WASA dashboard and mobile application. She also directed authorities to launch a comprehensive desilting campaign of drains ahead of the monsoon season to ensure smooth water flow.

Highlighting recent progress, it was noted that last week Maryam Nawaz inaugurated the WASA Punjab Sewerage Fleet Phase-I in Lahore, describing it as a major step towards her vision of a cleaner and better-managed Punjab. For the first time, WASA services have been expanded to all 41 districts, strengthening drainage and sanitation systems at the grassroots level.

During the inauguration ceremony, the chief minister inspected sewer jetting machines, suction units, and other operational vehicles, and formally handed over the fleet keys to Provincial Minister for Housing Bilal Yasin.

According to the briefing, Phase-I includes 552 vehicles and machines deployed across 15 districts, including Jhelum, Gujrat, Okara, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Jhang, Sahiwal, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Multan, and Dera Ghazi Khan. The fleet comprises modern equipment such as sewer suction units, jetting machines, desilting machines, water bowsers, dewatering pumps, dumpers, truck cranes, and loader rickshaws.

In the next phase, 937 additional sewerage vehicles and machines will be provided to 22 more districts, further expanding operational capacity.

Maryam Nawaz stated that, for the first time, sewerage services are being institutionalised at the district level, enabling a timely and effective response during heavy rains and floods. She emphasised that the induction of modern machinery will significantly improve environmental conditions while providing tangible relief to the public.