Preparations for monsoon reviewed

Rawalpindi : Special Secretary Housing and Urban Development Punjab, Tayyab Fareed, conducted an emergency visit to Rawalpindi on Saturday. During the visit, he reviewed the monsoon preparations of water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) and inspected the cleaning work of Nullah Leh at Gawalmandi Bridge. Stressing the need for vigilance following the recent forecast of the Meteorological Department, Tayyab Fareed emphasised that Wasa Rawalpindi has made thorough preparations for the monsoon, including timely cleaning of major drains and sewage lines of the city as well as Nullah Leh.

He instructed the Managing Director of Wasa to ensure readiness and full coordination with the Mete­or­ological Department, and to deploy machinery and staff in low-lying areas in anticipation of potential emergency situations due to forecasted rains. Tayyab Fareed also acknowledged the timely provision of funds by the Punjab government for the annual clean-up, which enabled Wasa to complete the necessary measures in Rawalpindi.

In addition, Managing Director Wasa, Muhammad Saleem Ashraf, reported that Wasa had completed the preparations ahead of the monsoon, with the support of the Punjab government in funding the cleaning of eleven drains in the city. The cleaning work of Nullah Leh from Katarian Bridge to Murree Road was finished, with ongoing efforts to clear blockages after heavy rains on Friday. Similarly, the cleaning of major drains across the city, as well as the use of modern winch machines for cleaning sewage lines, had been completed on time.

Precautionary measures such as the imposition of Section 144 to discourage littering in Nullah Leh and the establishment of five Monsoon Emergency Relief Camps in various locations in the city were also highlighted. Furthermore, all field staff was placed on emergency duty during the monsoon, and Wasa had deployed heavy machinery and established relief camps to ensure prompt response to any issues that may arise. The meeting was attended by Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) DG Kinza Murtaza, Chief Engineer RDA Anwar Baran, Director Sewerage Sadoon Basra, and Director (Admin) Umar Farooq.