LAHORE: Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister Bilal Yasin has directed strict action against those responsible for negligence in the Baghbanpura manhole incident and ordered the arrest of the contractor found at fault. The directive was issued during a meeting chaired by the minister on Saturday to review the incident and departmental performance, attended by WASA officials.
Minister Expresses Displeasure Over Negligence
Expressing strong displeasure over the negligence and incompetence, Bilal Yasin stated that no leniency would be shown towards carelessness that endangers public safety. He instructed WASA Director General Tayyab Fareed to immediately develop a departmental mechanism for disciplinary action and ensure submission of daily survey reports.
Safety Measures Mandated
The minister emphasized that comprehensive safety measures must be adopted during the construction, repair, and replacement of manholes. He directed officials to install proper barriers, warning signboards, and reflectors at all construction and maintenance sites. Furthermore, whenever a manhole cover is temporarily removed during development works, alternative safety arrangements must be made mandatory to prevent accidents.
“The protection of public life and property is our foremost priority. No compensation can make up for the loss of a human life,” he asserted.
Focus on Pedestrian and Child Safety
Minister Bilal Yasin also directed the authorities concerned to adopt special precautionary measures to ensure the safety of pedestrians, motorcyclists, and children during ongoing development projects. The meeting was attended by WASA Vice Chairman Chaudhry Shahbaz Ahmad, Managing Director WASA Lahore Ghufran Ahmad, and all town directors.
The minister reiterated that strict compliance with safety protocols is non-negotiable and warned of severe consequences for any lapses. He also called for an immediate review of all ongoing projects to identify and rectify potential hazards.
