Wasa plans to use trenchless technology for placing sewer pipes

LAHORE:At an estimated cost of over Rs14 billion, Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) is going to start a groundbreaking project using trenchless technology, marking a significant milestone in its history.

The project will benefit over 4 million people and 15,658 acres of area comprising most of the populous localities of the provincial metropolis. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) also provided financial aid for the project.

Under this project, Wasa will lay down sewer pipes from Larech Colony to Gulshan-e-Ravi, Lahore through trenchless technology. This system will pass through the localities of Gulberg, Dharampura, Shadman, Gulshan-e-Ravi, Jorey Pul, Garhi Shahu and Fatehgarh.

“For the first time, we are using a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) for sewer laying, revolutionising our infrastructure development,” said Wasa MD Ghafran Ahmed while talking to The News here on Tuesday.

HDPE lining for increased pipe life, vertical spinning pipe casting, use of micro-tunnelling machines for trenchless laying of sewer pipes, use of ventilation and order control system, SCADA System etc were some of the key features of this project.

Wasa MD Ghafran Ahmed said that for the first time Wasa will be using Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) in this project. He said this cutting-edge technology will enable efficient and precise sewer laying and minimising disruptions to daily life.

He added Vertical Casting will also be used in this project, which unlike traditional methods pipes will be casted vertically, ensuring enhanced durability and structural integrity. He added that HDPE Lining (High-Density Polyethylene) in sewers will provide an additional layer of protection, reducing corrosion and increasing the overall lifespan of the pipes.

Talking about the benefits of the project, the MD said with HDPE lining, the life expectancy of pipes will increase to 100 years, significantly reducing maintenance and replacement needs, TBM technology and vertical casting will streamline sewer laying process, reducing construction time and costs and enhanced sustainability due to a more sustainable and resilient sewer system equipped to serve the growing needs of Lahore. Ghafran Ahmed said that Wasa Lahore's TBM project represented a significant step forward in its commitment to providing modern, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure. “This pioneering initiative will set a new standard for sewer laying in the region, ensuring a brighter future for our community,” he said and maintained the project will give benefit to over 4 million residents of several areas of Lahore as the new lines will replace many of the pre-partition sewerage lines of the provincial metropolis.