All Punjab Districts to Get WASAs

The Punjab government has decided to set up Water and Sanitation Agencies (WASAs) across all districts of the province, modeled on the structure of Lahore WASA.

Currently, WASAs are operational in 19 districts, but the provincial government now aims to expand the initiative to all remaining districts, ensuring the agencies are equipped with modern resources and facilities.

The Secretary of Housing has assigned the task of preparing a comprehensive working paper for the establishment of new WASAs to the Director General (DG) WASA Punjab. To ensure competent leadership for these agencies, a search committee headed by the Housing Minister has already been formed.

Once established, the Housing Department will be responsible for providing modern machinery, skilled officers, and necessary resources to the newly created WASAs. According to officials, DG WASA Punjab Tayyab Fareed is working on a detailed strategy and a revenue generation plan to sustain the agencies.

Authorities acknowledged that managing salaries, machinery procurement, and logistical support for staff and officers would be a significant challenge. However, they stressed that the expansion of WASAs would greatly enhance the province’s capacity to deal with urban flooding and other emergency situations, ensuring better urban management and resilience against climate-related risks.