Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has directed the concerned authorities to complete necessary arrangements before the onset of the rainy season and all departments should work in a coordinated manner so that people should not face any problem during monsoon.
He said that model adopted regarding monsoon season in the provincial metropolis should be replicated in all cities of the province. He said that instead of relying on electricity, alternative sources should be utilised for the uninterrupted supply of drinking water to the citizens. He said that all necessary resources would be provided for this purpose so that there should not be shortage of water in any area. He directed elected representatives and government officers to pay regular visits to different areas to personally ensure availability of drinking water. He ordered that every method should be adopted for the smooth supply of potable water to the masses.
He was presiding over a meeting regarding pre-monsoon arrangements held here at Minar-e-Pakistan tent office on Tuesday. Member National Assembly Mian Marghoob Ahmed, Members Provincial Assembly, Ramzan Siddique Bhatti, Mehr Ishtiaq Ahmed, Secretaries Housing and Planning departments and heads of development authorities were present on the occasion.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that electronic monitoring system has been evolved to monitor arrangements for the rainy season while the complaint cell at WASA headquarters is fully operational to facilitate the masses. He said that people can contact helpline 1334 in case of shortage of drinking water or any complaint concerning WASA. He directed that an effective mechanism should also be developed for addressing public complaints immediately. He said that effective arrangements should be made for the drainage of rainwater from the low-lying areas during monsoon season while de-silting of drains and rainwater channels should also be completed in every respect before the start of the rainy season. He said that availability of generators and staff at all disposal stations should be ensured. The Chief Minister granted approval to recruitment of 600 work charge employees in WASA on emergency basis. He directed Chairman Punjab Information Technology Board to devise an effective online system for receiving public feedback regarding the arrangements and measures for monsoon so that factual position could be ascertained.
Earlier, heads of development agencies informed about the measures taken for monsoon season and supply of water to citizens. Managing Director Solid Waste Management informed that 80 percent work of de-silting of drains and rainwater channels has been completed and third-party validation has also been conducted. MD WASA told that tracking system is being installed on WASA vehicles for better monitoring. Chairman Punjab Information Technology Board informed that the complaint cell is fully operational and 3629 complaints have so far been received which have been sent to the concerned departments for necessary action.