Punjab Local Governments Department Minister Zeeshan Rafique has pledged that by collective efforts we will be able to provide a safe environment for future generations by keeping the underground water clean. Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (PMDFC) in collaboration with UNICEF has successfully completed a model project for cleaning waste water ponds in Sheikhupura.
The plan to make sewage water reservoirs reusable will be extended in a phased manner. He was addressing a seminar organized under the auspices of PMDFC at the GOR Officers’ Mess on cleaning of sewage water ponds as the chief guest. Special Secretary Local Government Department Asia Gul, Managing Director PMDFC Syed Zahid Aziz, research experts and teachers of various educational institutions also participated. The Local Government Minister while welcoming the participants said that PMDFC deserves applauds for organizing the seminar on this important topic. He said that elimination of pollution and standard sanitation arrangements are the focus of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. “Chief Minister Punjab wants to see proactive role of youth in research sector.
The recommendations of the conference will be placed before the Punjab government and will be implemented”, he vowed. Zeeshan Rafique said that due to lack of proper treatment, sewage water leads to groundwater pollution. “Use of contaminated water for agricultural purposes spreads many diseases including cholera, jaundice. The purpose of today’s seminar is to focus on the issue of water purification of the ponds water. With the help of experts, rural ponds will be made a habitat for aquatic life, especially fish”, he resolved.
He said that with the support of the World Bank, waste water treatment plants are being built for the first time under comprehensive projects in eleven cities.
MD Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company Syed Zahid Aziz while giving a special lecture on the details of the project said that the company has successfully completed the pilot project of cleaning sewage pond from floating wetlands. “Unfortunately, the rate of water pollution in Pakistan is alarmingly high compared to other countries. 70% of this polluted water is used for agriculture”, he regretted.
Zahid Aziz said that the death rate of children due to diseases caused by dirty water is 33 percent. Floating wetlands treat wastewater naturally without energy or chemicals. Addressing the event, Chairman PMDFC, prominent architect planner Pervaiz Iqbal and board member Qamar-ul-Zaman said that providing research-based best municipal services is our motto. “The company’s platform is present for research projects of educational institutions”, they said.
