OKARA (Staff Reporter)
In a significant step towards fulfilling Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s promise of public service, the first phase of a mega drainage project under the Punjab Development Programme (PDP) has officially been launched in Okara.
Foundation Stone Laid at Company Park
The foundation stone for the Underground Water Storage Tank was laid at Company Park by MNA Chaudhry Riaz-ul-Haq Juj and Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ahmed Usman Javaid.
The ceremony was attended by key officials, including:
Assistant Commissioner (AC) Headquarters: Noor Muhammad
AC Okara: Ahmed Sher Gondal
Managing Director (MD) WASA: Abdul Waheed
DMD WASA: Muhammad Khubaib
Representatives from the Anjuman-e-Tajiran, media personnel, and other stakeholders.
Project Scope and Impact
During a detailed briefing, MD WASA Abdul Waheed outlined the technical specifications and the transformative potential of the project.
| Feature | Details |
| Storage Capacity | 1.8 Million Gallons of Rainwater |
| Total Project Cost | Rs. 55 Crore (for the storage tank) |
| Completion Deadline | May 2026 |
| Sewerage Network | 102 Kilometers of new lines |
| Overall Mega Project Budget | Rs. 6.7 Billion |
DC Ahmed Usman Javaid emphasized his commitment to completing the project ahead of schedule. He stated that the underground tank would effectively solve the long-standing issue of water ponding in the city’s central commercial hubs during the monsoon season. He further noted that the overall infrastructure investment of Rs. 6.7 billion is designed to address Okara’s sewerage needs for the next 30 years.
Political Leadership and Urban Development
Addressing the participants, MNA Chaudhry Riaz-ul-Haq Juj praised the Chief Minister’s policy of proactive public welfare. He explained that the city has been divided into four zones for the systematic installation of sewerage lines.
“CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif has provided record funds for the beauty and infrastructure of Okara. We are working hand-in-hand with the public and administrative teams to ensure that these modern facilities reach every citizen,” he remarked.
The speakers highlighted that the initiative not only aims at drainage but also focuses on preserving the city’s beauty and preventing road damage caused by urban flooding.