WASA directed to take strict action against manhole cover theft

FAISALABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Apr, 2026) Managing Director (MD) Water & Sanitation Agency (WASA) Saqib Raza has termed the theft and trade of manhole covers as a serious legal offence and directed WASA officers to take strict action against those involved in this offence.

During a meeting, he instructed that cases should be registered against those individuals involved in stealing or purchasing stolen manhole covers and stringent legal proceedings must be initiated against them without any discrimination.

He said that WASA’s Citizen Liaison Cell (CLC) has launched an awareness campaign to prevent such incidents. Under this campaign, CLC staff is visiting schools, colleges, community centers, mosques, madrassas and meeting with local notables to educate the public about the legal implications of manhole cover theft.

He highlighted that Punjab government has declared theft and sale of manhole covers a grave offence and those found involved in it could even face cases under attempt to murder charges due to the potential risk posed to human lives.

In this connection, CLC staff visited Jamia Masjid Naushahi in Sabzi Mandi Ghulam Muhammad Abad where they briefed the students and teachers about preventive measures and public safety regarding manhole cover theft.

MD WASA reiterated that directives issued by the Punjab government are being implemented in letter and spirit and no compromise would be made on enforcement.

He stressed the need for collective efforts to curb the menace and ensure public safety by protecting essential civic infrastructure.