LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Sunday that service to the people was a form of worship, and that the government was responsible for providing quality services and facilities to the masses. Considering this, he added, Wasa and other departments should perform their duties with commitment and dedication.
He was addressing a high level meeting at his Minar-e-Pakistan Tent Officer to review de-silting campaign of drains, availability of drinking water and the arrangements for monsoon. Third-party audit report on de-silting of drains was also presented in the meeting in which this process was declared satisfactory.
The chief minister said elected representatives should remain present in their respective constituencies during rainy season and stand by the people in any emergency or difficult situation. He said there was no substitute to hard work therefore elected representatives and government officers should serve the people with diligence.
Shahbaz Sharif said special arrangements should be made for the supply of water during the month of Ramazan as the water consumption increases in the holy month. He directed that complaint cells be set up regarding Wasa at the level of provincial constituencies and they should remain in contact with the central complaint cell.
The chief minister directed that effective arrangements be made for the monsoon season so that citizens should not face any hardship. He said that arrangements for immediate drainage of rainwater from low-lying areas should be made and 60 more generators be purchased on emergent basis for the smooth supply of drinking water and operating machinery for disposal of water.
He said that in view of arrival of Ramazan during monsoon season all concerned departments should work in a coordinated manner and ensure that water was not accumulated in any area so that the fasting people should not face any difficulty in going to the mosques. Similarly, he said, there should not be any complaint of shortage of water.
The chief minister said Wasa should also arrange mobile workshop so that the machinery could be maintained in working condition. He said that the system of supply of water should be reviewed and an effective plan be submitted to him for the replacement of rusted pipelines.
Shahbaz Sharif directed the Wasa Managing Director that all manholes should be covered and an effective strategy be devised for checking the incidents of the theft of the covers of manholes. He said de-silting process of drain should be continued throughout the year.
Provincial Minister Chaudhry Abdul Ghafoor, Members National and Provincial Assembly, secretaries of various departments, heads of development institutions and Commissioner and District Coordination Officer Lahore were present in the meeting.
Earlier, the Wasa Managing Director informed the meeting that all tube-wells in City were fully operational and 32 new tube-wells would also start operation before the onset of Ramazan. He said supply of drinking water through tankers was also continuing in case of complaints. He further told the chief minister that 600 newly-recruited sanitary workers had been deputed in different areas.
The local government secretary informed that relief camps had been established at different locations for providing help to the citizens during rains. Heads of different development institutions and provincial secretaries also informed the meeting about monsoon arrangements.