CM Usman Buzdar inspects progress of Wasa drain construction

CM Usman Buzdar inspects Wasa drain construction work

LAHORE (Dunya News) - Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar visited Lahore’s Neela Gumbad GPO Chowk on Thursday and inspected the construction work of Wasa Drain, running through Haji Camp to river Ravi.

The CM was briefed that eight main drains have been cleaned in Lahore in view of monsoon rains while three generators and two power connections have been arranged in Lakshmi Chowk to drain rain water.

Talking on the occasion, Usman Buzdar said that Pakistan’s first underground water storage of 1.4 million gallons has been constructed in Lahore. The capacity of underground water storage can be increased up to 200,000 gallons and stored water can be used for irrigation and other useful purposes, he added.

Usman Buzdar said that Punjab government was laying 11 km long drain for the convenience of Lahore’s citizens. The drain, starting from Bohar wala Chowk, will pass through different areas and reach the Ravi river. In addition, work on the drain crossing near Neela Gumbad on Mall Road has also been completed. This drain will remove standing water in many areas of Lahore during the monsoon season.

He said that due to rains last year, citizens in some areas of Lahore had faced difficulties so the government took immediate steps to address the problems of the people.

He also announced that there would be no more water drainage problems on Lawrence Road. For the first time in Pakistan, rainwater will be stored and used for things such as horticulture, he said.

The Chief Minister said that WASA has set up relief camps at 31 places in Lahore in view of monsoon season while water pumping machines will also be available at 26 places to enable early drainage of rain water in the city.

Chief Minister Usman Buzdar also inspected the Monsoon Emergency Camp at GPO Chowk and inspected the facilities and equipment available. He also inspected state-of-the-art rainwater metering equipment.

MD WASA briefed CM Buzdar about the drain construction project, water storage project on Lawrence Road and preparations for the monsoon season. Secretary Housing, Secretary Information, Deputy Commissioner Lahore and DG LDA were also present on the occasion.