‘Gujrat faces repeated flooding due to administrative incompetence’

LALAMUSA: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) Gujranwala Division President Chaudhry Abid Raza has voiced strong criticism against the district administration for its alleged failure to address the recurrent flooding in Gujrat.

Talking to media here, he highlighted the severe impact of the recent rains, which had once again inundated the city, causing widespread disruption and distress among the residents. “The incompetence of the district administration has left Gujrat vulnerable to flooding every time it rains,” Abid Raza stated. “The turbines of the sewerage system have been out of order for several months, and despite the onset of the rainy season, no emergency measures have been taken. The people are left at the mercy of the rains.” He also drew attention to what he described as “misguided development policies” that had further compounded the city’s problems.”

Meanwhile, Gujranwala Division Commissioner Naveed Haider Shirazi along with Gujrat Deputy Commissioner Safdar Hussain paid a visit to Gujrat City to review the measures taken for drainage of rainwater from various areas.

Their inspection tour covered key locations, including Jinnah Chowk, Kutchery Chowk, Prince Chowk and GTS Chowk. Addressing the media, Commissioner Shirazi emphasised that the Punjab government had issued directives to lay active sewage lines to address the city’s drainage issues. Acknowledging the citizens’ concerns about water accumulation due to rainfall, he stated that significant progress was being made on a comprehensive sewerage scheme. “Work is actively progressing on the sewerage scheme,” said Shirazi.

“Water collection points are being established at the stadium and Kutchery Chowk from where water will be swiftly drained through the new sewer lines.” He mentioned that all available resources, including heavy machinery and manpower, were being deployed to drain out the rainwater. In a bid to ensure public safety, Shirazi urged the citizens to take necessary precautions during rains.

He advised avoiding unnecessary travel, refraining from disposing of garbage and shopping bags in manholes and sewer lines, and staying away from electric poles. Earlier, the commissioner presided over a meeting at the Deputy Commissioner Complex, where he reviewed the city’s sewerage plan and discussed detailed measures for effective drainage. The meeting was attended by Wasa MD Faisal Shaukat, Gujrat AC Bilal Zubair and other officers concerned.