LAHORE, March 6: The Japan International Cooperation Agency will sign a memorandum of understanding with the Punjab government on March 11 on a Rs790 million financial package for revamping the sewerage and drainage system in the provincial metropolis.

The three-member JICA delegation visiting the provincial metropolis has already compiled its initial technical report after holding meetings with District Nazim Mian Amer Mahmood and Wasa of Lahore Development Authority (LDA) officials.

The District Nazim informed the delegation that the discontinuation of construction of surface drains on both sides of the roads and rapid increase in population had resulted in tremendous increase in pressure on Wasa infrastructure.

He said the Wasa would utilize the JICA financial assistance for installation of new pumps at its Shadbagh, Gulshan-i-Ravi and Multan Road sullage disposal stations and improvement of storm water drainage arrangements in Ravi Road Timber Market, Kasurpura, Fruit and Vegetables Market, Islampura, Shimla Pahari, Mustafaabad, Data Nagar, Usman Ganj, Loha Market, Mozang, Ichhra, Nabha Road, Thornton Road, Anarkali and Lytton Road areas.