The Water and Sanitation Agency Managing Director Muhammad Saleem Ashraf Wednesday appealed to the public to refrain from throwing trash, debris, and other solid waste into the nullah, stressing that such actions create a significant hindrance in the flow of water during monsoon.
This obstruction can lead to devastating floods during the monsoon season, putting lives and property at risk, he warned while talking to PTV news channel. “We urge residents to take responsibility for their actions and dispose of waste properly. Let us work together to keep Nullah Leh clean and ensure a safe and flood-free monsoon season,” he added.
The WASA MD also announced plans to increase surveillance and enforcement along the nullah to prevent dumping and encourage community involvement in maintaining the waterway’s cleanliness.
He said that Punjab government has been funding and strictly directed to clean all nullahs, adding, WASA has done de-silting of Nullah Leh and formed a monitoring team to look after the drive. He announced that WASA is working round-the clock with dedicated team on a comprehensive plan to upgrade the city’s sanitation infrastructure and improve waste management practices.
Replying a question, Saleem Ashraf further highlighted that WASA with the cooperation of UN Habitat has also launched a million project for rainwater harvesting in 30 public buildings, the metro elevated road and public parks in the garrison city.
He said that these water tanks will be constructed in government buildings and parks to cope with water shortage and reduce flooding.
He said that the harvested rainwater will be used for gardening, cleaning, washing purposes and specific building flashing systems.
He said the rain harvesting project had been launched to meet the water shortage in the coming summer season and the construction of the water tanks will be completed by June to get benefit from the next monsoon.
The project involves the construction of large water tanks at strategic locations across the city. These tanks will be used to store rainwater, which will then be treated and supplied to residents during the summer months when water scarcity is at its peak, he mentioned.
The rainwater harvesting project is part of WASA’s long-term plan to improve the city’s water management system, he said, adding, we plans to install a network of rainwater collection points, including rooftop harvesting systems, to maximize the collection of rainwater.
To another question, MD assured that WASA is fully prepared to tackle any monsoon-related challenges, with a team of experts and equipment on standby to respond to emergencies. However, he emphasized that community participation is crucial to making this monsoon season a success.
Polio Drive
Additional Director EPI, Directorate General Health Services Punjab Dr. Samra Khurram on Wednesday made a fervent appeal to citizens to cooperate with health workers during the ongoing national polio vaccination drives.
She stressed that the ultimate success of the campaign depends on ensuring that every last child, including guest children should receives the life-saving polio drops.
“The fight against polio is at a critical juncture, and we need the public’s support to overcome the final hurdles,” Dr. Samra Khurram said while speaking to PTV news channel.
“We urge parents, caregivers, and the community to cooperate with our health workers and ensure that every child under the age of five receives the polio vaccine, regardless of their residence or migration status,” she stressed.
“Responding to a question, Dr. Samra Khurram revealed that a proposal for stringent legislation against parents who refuse to vaccinate their children will soon be presented to the cabinet for approval.
This move aims to address the persistent challenge of vaccine hesitancy and refusal, which has hindered the country’s efforts to eradicate polio, she mentioned.
Dr. Khurram emphasized that while the government has always preferred persuasion and awareness campaigns, the time has come to consider stricter measures to ensure that all children are protected from the crippling disease.
The proposed legislation is expected to be tabled in the cabinet soon, marking a significant step towards making polio vaccination compulsory and holding parents accountable for refusing vaccination.
“In addition to proposing strict legislation, Dr. Samra Khurram also highlighted the importance of inter-provincial coordination in the fight against polio.
She emphasized that the government is adopting a holistic approach to eradicate the disease, which includes enhanced collaboration and coordination among provinces. This coordinated effort aims to ensure a unified response to polio outbreaks, share best practices, and address regional challenges, she mentioned. By working together, the provinces can leverage their collective resources and expertise to strengthen vaccination campaigns, improve surveillance, and ultimately achieve a polio-free Pakistan, she added.
This multi-faceted approach demonstrates the government’s commitment to ending the decades-long struggle against polio and securing a healthier future for the nation’s children, she added.
Dengue
No dengue patient in any allied hospitals of Rawalpindi district is presently admitted which shows dengue has declined to zero after continued follow up campaigns by the district’s health administration.
The last patient admitted in hospital has also been discharged from the hospital after complete recovery a couple of days ago.
According to a report issued by the district’s anti dengue department, has revealed that so far 29 patients affected by dengue were admitted to hospitals since Jan 24, all of whom have recovered and went back to their homes. The report shows that there is no dengue patient admitted in any of allied hospitals. During the last week, 80 FIRs were registered on dengue SOPs violations, by the District Health Authority, while 52 challans have been issued.Moreover, 9 places have been sealed along with total fines imposed of Rs.96,500.
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