LAHORE: The Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) has assured the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) of addressing sewerage problems in parts of the city, especially commercial/ business areas, including Brandreth Road and Rehman Gali, as the work will be initiated soon in response to the demands of business community.
“The authority has issued a development tender for the project from its own resources to address water accumulation and drainage problems on the Circular Road and adjoining areas. And it is scheduled to be opened on Oct 15,” Wasa Managing Director Ghufran Ahmad said while speaking to the LCCI office-bearers and members in a meeting here on Sunday.
He said Wasa had also undertaken development work in various locations, including Lakshmi Chowk and Brandreth Road, using its own resources during the previous year.
He assured the business community that the authority would continue reviewing drainage problems in commercial areas and take appropriate measures to resolve them.
The Wasa MD said regular maintenance, timely cleaning of sewerage and effective coordination among relevant departments were essential alongside development projects to improve the city’s drainage system.
Highlighting Wasa’s digital services, the MD said the authority had introduced an automated complaint management system through which consumers could register complaints online and monitor progress on their resolution.
He added that online facilities were also available for correcting billing errors and requesting instalment plans, reducing the need for consumers to visit Wasa offices repeatedly. Digital records had also improved access to consumer accounts and property-related information.
The MD Wasa offered to designate a focal person to coordinate with the LCCI and facilitate the resolution of complaints from commercial markets. He said requests relating to billing corrections and instalment plans would also be addressed through the relevant procedures.
Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Ali Hussam Asghar said sewerage blockage and rainwater accumulation in commercial and industrial areas were disrupting business activities and causing substantial financial losses to traders. Water entering shops, warehouses and basements damaging merchandise and commercial property was creating serious difficulties for the business community, he added.
Mr Asghar stressed that commercial areas must receive priority in drainage improvement projects. Regular cleaning of sewerage, maintenance of manholes and timely preventive measures were essential to prevent waterlogging and protect businesses from recurring losses.
Ali Hussam Asghar also called for better coordination among Wasa, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) and other relevant departments to ensure that development projects were completed on time.
He invited the Wasa MD to visit the affected markets with LCCI representatives to assess the problems first-hand and develop practical solutions.
Published in Dawn, October 12th, 2026
