LAHORE:On the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the supply of machinery and equipment to all Wasa agencies is ongoing. Provincial Minister for Housing and Urban Development Bilal Yasin handed over symbolic keys of vehicles to the Wasa DG Punjab. Secretary Housing Noor-ul-Amin Mengal and other officials were also present.
The equipment include de-watering sets, sewer suckers, jetting machines, tractor trolleys, water bowsers, dumpers, winching machinery, wheel excavators and cranes.On this occasion, Provincial Minister Bilal Yasin stated that, keeping in view the expected rains before the monsoon, timely provision of machinery is being ensured. A total of 937 machines and equipment of various types are being delivered in phases to 41 districts.
The minister emphasised that the timely provision of machinery would help ensure successful field operations of Wasa agencies. He added that ongoing Wasa development projects under the PDP would be completed by June 30.
Meanwhile, Punjab Housing Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal issued directives to ensure the safety of Wasa field staff. According to the directives issued by the Directorate General Wasa Punjab, the use of safety kits has been made compulsory for staff during desilting and cleaning of manholes. Additionally, the use of gas detectors to check for toxic gases before entering manholes has also been declared mandatory.
All field staff are required to wear protective suits, helmets, face masks, and other necessary safety equipment during desilting operations. Furthermore, signboards must be installed at a distance of at least 50 metres from operation sites and machinery, while the use of safety cones and warning tape has also been made mandatory.
