Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched the first phase of a major sewerage modernisation programme by handing over 272 new machines to Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) authorities for use in 15 districts across the province.
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Speaking at a ceremony in Lahore, the chief minister said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to improving municipal services across Punjab rather than focusing solely on Lahore.
Maryam Nawaz said modern urban facilities should be available to residents throughout the province, adding that the government is expanding infrastructure to improve drainage, sanitation and public services in all districts.
During the event, she presented symbolic keys of the new machinery to WASA officials and interacted with sanitation workers. The chief minister removed security barriers to meet the workers, posed for a group photograph at their request and encouraged them to continue serving the public with dedication.
Provincial Minister Bilal Yasin and Housing Secretary Noor-ul-Amin Mengal briefed the ceremony on the project, saying the first phase includes the distribution of 272 machines across 15 districts.
The equipment comprises 12 categories of machinery, including loader rickshaws, tractor trolleys, sewer winch machines, desilting machines, sewer jetting machines, dewatering pumps, water bowsers, dump trucks, tractors, backhoes, sewer suction machines, wheel excavators and truck boom cranes.
Officials added that the provincial government plans to provide a total of 696 modern machines and specialised equipment as WASA services expand to 41 districts across Punjab.
Maryam Nawaz said the WASA network has already been extended from only two districts to 41 districts, describing the expansion as a significant step toward improving sewerage and drainage infrastructure throughout the province.
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She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening local government services and ensuring residents have access to efficient sanitation and drainage systems, saying all available resources would be utilised to improve the quality of public services across Punjab.