WASA to set up monsoon camps
After taking over charge of his office, the MD took a briefing about the performance of the agency and highlighted the importance of preparedness ahead of the upcoming rainy season.
He said WASA staff must be present in full uniform with raincoats and boots, while all necessary equipment should be available at each camp.
He said all disposal stations must be fully operational with maximum capacity and contingency plans for uninterrupted operation in case of power outages.
He said WASA should provide uninterrupted and high-quality drainage and water supply services during the monsoon season, adding that all available resources would be utilised to achieve the goal.
The MD said he would conduct surprise visits to the relief camps after three days to ensure compliance and readiness.
He also stressed the need to boost revenue recovery and said the monthly bill distribution must not face any delays or gaps.
He said special attention should be given to recovering WASA dues from the areas with outstanding payments through comprehensive surveys. He also issued instructions for daily testing of drinking water to ensure its quality.
He called for expedited progress on foreign-funded development projects, including the Eastern Wastewater Treatment Plant and French Surface Water Treatment Plant.
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WASA to set up monsoon camps
Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Managing Director Sohail Qadir Cheema has directed the relevant officers to establish monsoon relief camps throughout the city within next three days. After taking over charge of his office, the MD took a briefing about the performance of the agency and highlighted the importance of preparedness ahead of the upcoming rainy season. He said WASA staff must be present in full uniform with raincoats and boots, while all necessary equipment should be available at each camp. He said all disposal stations must be fully operational with maximum capacity and contingency plans for uninterrupted operation in case of power outages. He said WASA should provide uninterrupted and high-quality drainage and water supply services during the monsoon season, adding that all available resources would be utilised to achieve the goal. The MD said he would conduct surprise visits to the relief camps after three days to ensure compliance and readiness. He also stressed the need to boost revenue recovery and said the monthly bill distribution must not face any delays or gaps. He said special attention should be given to recovering WASA dues from the areas with outstanding payments through comprehensive surveys. He also issued instructions for daily testing of drinking water to ensure its quality. He called for expedited progress on foreign-funded development projects, including the Eastern Wastewater Treatment Plant and French Surface Water Treatment Plant.
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Township residents face water contamination
Lack of access to clean water, a basic necessity, has become a persistent source of distress for residents of a sector in the Township, where the supply has been contaminated with sewage for years. Speaking to The Express Tribune, several residents of Block 4 voiced frustration over the negligence of the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), which they say has failed to prevent sewer water from infiltrating their pipelines. The problem worsens during rainfalls or when sewer lines become clogged, leading to black, foul-smelling water flowing from household taps. Maria Khan, a resident of the area near Muhammadi Park, said turning on the tap should provide clean and safe water, yet for the residents it delivers a murky, putrid liquid. "The stench lingers in our homes, raising fears of waterborne diseases and posing serious health risks," she said. She complained that despite numerous complaints to WASA, the officials told residents to "wait until the sewer water level drops," insisting that the issue would be resolved itself, without implementing any concrete solutions to address the root cause of contamination. Adil Mahmood, another resident of the neighborhood, said the problem resurfaces every rainy season when stagnant water accumulates in the area, leading to further contamination of the water supply. "The issue lasts for days, sometimes weeks," he said. "We have been lodging complaints with WASA for years, but nothing has changed. During the February 8 general election, candidates promised to resolve the water contamination issue, yet none have followed through after winning." He added that the crisis has once again intensified ahead of Eidul Fitr, causing distress for residents. Muhammad Sharif, who has lived in the locality for nearly three decades, recalled that tap water was once used for drinking, cooking and washing. "Now, due to severe contamination, all residents must fetch drinking and cooking water from filtration plants," he said. "The government is spending millions on sanitation projects like Suthra Punjab, yet it is failing to ensure clean drinking water for Lahore's residents," he said. The impact on residents is severe. Many must travel long distances to water filtration plants, carrying heavy containers to access safe drinking water. The burden is especially hard on the elderly, the sick and those with limited mobility. Additionally, purchasing bottled water and arranging transportation to filtration plants has become a financial strain on families already facing economic hardship. The residents demanded immediate and long-term repair of the water supply infrastructure. An official from the local WASA office acknowledged that a lasting solution requires identifying and repairing leaks or faults in the water supply infrastructure. He admitted that resolving the issue requires financial resources besides political and institutional will to address the problem at its core.
