LAHORE: The Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) has increased the deployment of labour and machinery to expedite the excavation and laying of trunk sewer lines along Khayaban-iFirdausi in Johar Town, aiming to complete the project at the earliest and mitigate disruptions to local businesses and residents.

A Wasa official acknowledged the inconvenience being caused to motorists and traders due to the extensive civil work. `We are aware of the problems being faced by the people, especially motorists and businesses,` the official said.

Business owners along the route have expressed concerns about severe dust pollution and declining footfall.`Our staff is constantly wiping down tables and chairs because of the dust. It is bothering our customers,` a restaurant manager complained. Another manager said he had to relocate his restaurant`s outdoor cooking setup indoors due to the dust. He said the dust also forced customers to avoid the open-air seating. He urged the government to instruct Wasa to sprinkle water on the site to reduce dust pollution.

Also, senior Wasa officials visited the site and reviewed the progress of three sewerage projects worth Rs1.9 billion. They heard that the 4.15km trunk line extends from Shog Chowk to the Shaukat Khanum intersection. The officials instructed that the laying of 66-inch and 72-inch sewer lines up to 6,500 feet (approximately 2km) be completed by June 30.