SARGODHA: The city turned into a pond after average rainfall on Tuesday due to the dysfunctional drainage channels that may also damage the recently constructed roads.

Company Bagh, the main park in the heart of the city, has no drainage system and water from the adjoining markets accumulate in it.

Recently, a Rs14bn sewage project was approved for the city.

As per official handout, Sargodha received 53mm of rainfall in the morning.

Water and Sanitation Agency Managing Director Azizullah Khan said the traffic had been restored by draining out the rainwater from most of the main roads while the drainage process was also in full swing for other roads.

He added that additional teams had been deployed for drainage from the low-lying areas and the staff discharged from the main roads had also been transferred to these areas. He said all Wasa disposal stations were fully functional and the operation was continuing continuously.

The MD said that due to Wasa’s vigorous measures, the situation in the city would soon return to normal.

Sargodha Commissioner Jahanzeb Awan directed that relief be provided to citizens in the low-lying areas on a priority basis.

SWMC: Due to the non-issuance of grants by the Punjab government, there is a fear of financial crisis for the Solid Waste Management Company Sargodha.

According to sources, the government has not issued a grant for almost three months while the previous grant was till June 30. The government has directed the company to expedite the collection of sanitation tax on a priority basis.

Due to the delay in the grant and non-collection of tax, employees are likely to receive their salaries for the month of August late.

TRAINING: The University of Sargodha has launched the first phase of a training programme for its non-teaching staff, organised by the Human Resource Development Centre (HRDC).

The initiative aims at enhancing the professional skills of newly appointed employees, enabling them to perform their duties more effectively and contribute to the institution’s overall progress.

The first phase of the programme comprises four workshops, specifically designed for lab assistants, lab attendants, junior clerks, and naib qasids/baildaars.

Addressing the inaugural session, UoS Vice Chancellor Dr Qaisar Abbas emphasized that equipping employees with professional skills was a top priority for the university.

“The progress of any institution largely depends on the efficiency of its human resources. The UoS is committed to strengthening the capacity of its teaching, research, and administrative staff alike to ensure a more effective and result-oriented system,” he said.

DISTINCTION: Prof Dr Usman Minhas, dean Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sargodha, has been appointed as a member of the Provincial Quality Control Board (PQCB), Punjab.

He was selected from nominated professors and deans of various universities across Punjab through a rigorous interview process. His appointment was formally approved by the chief minister and endorsed by the Punjab Cabinet.

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2025