LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has set a deadline to complete all drainage projects in the province before June, ordering that the work be carried out round the clock. In a meeting, she instructed relevant authorities to ensure the completion of sewerage and rainwater drainage projects prior to the monsoon season.
Drainage projects are currently under way in 15 cities across Punjab, including Sargodha, Dera Ghazi Khan, Gujrat, Okara, Jhang, Multan, Sialkot, Jhelum, Hafizabad, Sahiwal, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, and Rawalpindi.
Project Scope
Officials briefed the chief minister that a total of 2,265 kilometres of sewerage and 189 kilometres of rainwater drainage pipelines would be laid for the 15 cities. In the first phase, 86 disposal stations and nine underground storage tanks will be constructed. Upon completion of the sewerage and drainage projects, 752 kilometres of roads will also be developed.
WASA Complexes Approved
In the meeting chaired by the chief minister, the design of Water and Sewerage Agency (WASA) complexes for the 15 cities was approved. The complexes will also include hostel facilities for officers, providing accommodation for staff working on drainage and water management.
Real-Time Monitoring
The CM was informed that ongoing projects were being monitored in real-time through a WASA dashboard and mobile application. The digital monitoring system allows authorities to track progress, identify bottlenecks, and ensure timely completion.
Desilting Campaign
Instructions were also issued for WASA to initiate a large-scale desilting campaign of drains before the monsoon season. Desilting is critical to ensuring that drainage systems function effectively during heavy rains, reducing the risk of urban flooding.
Analysis: Preparing for Monsoon
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s directive to complete drainage projects before June reflects the government’s focus on urban infrastructure and flood prevention. With the monsoon season typically beginning in July, the June deadline provides a buffer for testing and any last-minute adjustments.
The 15 cities identified for drainage projects include some of Punjab’s most flood-prone urban centers. Rawalpindi, Multan, and Faisalabad have historically experienced significant flooding during heavy rains, causing damage to property and disruption to daily life.
The use of a digital dashboard and mobile application for real-time monitoring is a welcome innovation. By tracking progress transparently, the government can hold contractors accountable and ensure that taxpayer money is spent efficiently.
The desilting campaign is equally important. Even the best drainage system will fail if drains are clogged with silt and garbage. A comprehensive desilting effort before the monsoon is essential.
As the June deadline approaches, the focus will be on execution. The CM has set the target; now it is up to WASA and other authorities to deliver.
