CM Maryam expands WASA modernisation across Punjab, vows better civic services for all districts

• Hands over symbolic keys as 272 modern drainage and sewerage machines reach 15 districts

• Says WASA network expanded from two to 41 districts; delivery of 696 machines continues

• Toba Tek Singh's four villages being transformed into Model Villages under CM's directives

• Pays tribute to Nelson Mandela, calls for justice, equality and investment in education

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Saturday reaffirmed that the province's development agenda extends far beyond Lahore, as she formally launched a major expansion of modern municipal infrastructure by handing over symbolic keys of newly procured drainage and sewerage machinery to Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) officials. She said the initiative reflects the Punjab government's commitment to strengthening civic services across all districts through modern technology and improved public infrastructure.

The chief minister announced that the delivery of 272 modern drainage and sewerage machines to WASA authorities in 15 districts had been completed, while the supply of 696 machines and related equipment to WASA offices in 41 districts was also underway.

ترقی کا سفر صرف لاہور نہیں بلکہ پورا پنجاب!
وزیرِ اعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز شریف کی قیادت میں پنجاب بھر میں جدید سیوریج اور نکاسیٔ آب کے نظام کی اپ گریڈیشن کا عمل تیزی سے جاری ہے۔ 15 اضلاع میں 272 جدید مشینیں فراہم کر دی گئی ہیں جبکہ 41 اضلاع تک واسا نیٹ ورک کی توسیع اور جدید مشینری… pic.twitter.com/7Uackv0gbs

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) July 18, 2026

During the ceremony, Maryam Nawaz formally handed over the symbolic keys of the newly procured sewerage machinery to the relevant WASA officials.

In a warm gesture, the chief minister removed the security cordon to personally interact with WASA workers. She fulfilled their request for a group photograph, appreciated their dedication to public service and encouraged them to continue performing their duties with commitment. She described the induction of modern machinery as a significant milestone in improving municipal services and ensuring better sanitation facilities for citizens.

Provincial Minister for Housing Bilal Yasin and Housing Secretary Noor-ul-Amin Mengal briefed the chief minister on the project. They informed her that, in the first phase, 272 machines belonging to 12 different categories had been supplied to WASA authorities across Punjab to strengthen drainage and sewerage operations.

The machinery includes loader rickshaws, tractor trolleys, sewer winch machines, desilting machines, sewer jetting machines, dewatering pumps, water bowsers, dump trucks, tractors, backhoe machines, sewer suction machines, wheel excavators and truck boom cranes, all aimed at enhancing the operational capacity of WASA and improving emergency response during urban flooding and sanitation-related challenges.

Addressing the ceremony, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, "Providing ease and convenience to every citizen in every city is our commitment." She noted that the WASA network had been expanded from two districts to 41 districts across Punjab, reflecting the government's resolve to ensure uniform civic development throughout the province.

She added that the Punjab government was steadily upgrading sewerage infrastructure and modern drainage systems to provide improved municipal services, strengthen urban resilience and enhance the quality of life for people across Punjab.

 Four villages in Toba Tek Singh to become Model Villages

In a related development, work is progressing on a project to transform four villages in Toba Tek Singh district into Model Villages on the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

وزیر اعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز شریف کی ہدایات پر
ضلع ٹوبہ ٹیک سنگھ کے 4 دیہاتوں کو "مثالی گاؤں“ بنانے کے اقدامات تیز۔

معاون خصوصی وزیراعلیٰ پنجاب شعیب مرزا کا مثالی گاؤں کا دورہ، سہولیات کی فراہمی کے اقدامات کا جائزہ لیا۔کمشنر فیصل آباد عمران حامد شیخ ودیگر افسران ہمراہ۔ pic.twitter.com/ICaq112Hun

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) July 18, 2026

Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Shoaib Mirza visited the villages to review the pace of development aimed at providing modern civic amenities and improving public facilities for local residents. Commissioner Faisalabad Imran Hamid Sheikh and other senior officials accompanied him during the inspection.

 CM pays tribute to Nelson Mandela

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Saturday paid glowing tribute to former South African president Nelson Mandela on the occasion of International Nelson Mandela Day, saying his extraordinary life of sacrifice, perseverance and unwavering commitment to justice continues to inspire humanity and remains a beacon of hope for generations around the world.

وزیرِ اعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز شریف کی قیادت میں پنجاب بھر میں جدید سیوریج اور نکاسی آب کے نظام کی اپ گریڈیشن کا عمل تیزی سے جاری ہے۔

15 اضلاع میں 272 جدید مشینیں فراہم کر دی گئی ہیں جبکہ 41 اضلاع تک واسا نیٹ ورک کی توسیع اور جدید مشینری کی فراہمی سے شہریوں کو بہتر، تیز اور مؤثر… pic.twitter.com/UMxyMitkdS

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) July 18, 2026

In her message, the chief minister said Nelson Mandela's life symbolised patience, resilience and an unwavering struggle against oppression. She said that despite enduring years of imprisonment and immense hardships, Mandela never compromised on his principles and remained steadfast in his pursuit of freedom, equality and justice.

وزیرِ اعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز شریف کا نیلسن منڈیلا کے عالمی دن پر پیغام۔
"نیلسن منڈیلا کی جدوجہد انسانیت، مساوات اور انصاف کا روشن باب ہے۔ تعلیم، رواداری اور مساوی مواقع ہی ایک پرامن اور ترقی یافتہ معاشرے کی حقیقی بنیاد ہیں۔ نیلسن منڈیلا ڈے ہم سب کو معاشرے کی بہتری کے لیے اپنا… pic.twitter.com/C7n6y71QuT

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) July 18, 2026

Maryam Nawaz said Mandela's philosophy of non-violence, equality, reconciliation and respect for human rights had left a lasting legacy for the international community. She added that his lifelong struggle against racial discrimination, injustice and inequality had become an enduring chapter in world history and would continue to inspire people striving for peace, justice and social harmony.

The chief minister said the Punjab government, under the leadership of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), remained committed to building a society founded on equality, justice, tolerance and respect for human dignity. She said inclusive development, equal opportunities and the rule of law were indispensable pillars of sustainable progress and national cohesion.

Highlighting the significance of International Nelson Mandela Day, Maryam Nawaz said the annual observance encourages people to dedicate their time and efforts to serving humanity and promoting public welfare. She urged citizens, particularly the youth, to embrace the values of compassion, tolerance, volunteerism and public service to bring about positive and lasting social change.

Quoting Nelson Mandela's famous belief that education is "the most powerful tool to change the world," she said investment in education and human development remains the cornerstone of building prosperous, peaceful and progressive societies.

She added that as long as poverty, injustice and inequality continue to exist anywhere in the world, humanity's collective responsibility remains unfinished. Every individual, she said, has both the ability and the moral responsibility to contribute towards building a fairer, more compassionate and just world through positive action and an unwavering commitment to justice.