Reviewing development: Timely implementation of growth strategy stressed

Shahbaz asks workers to ensure timely completion of work at Bhikki power plant

LAHORE:

Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Tuesday presided over a meeting to review progress on the Punjab Growth Strategy of 2018.

Speaking on the occasion, he said provision of education, health and other basic amenities to the people was a responsibility of the government. He said speedy and effective implementation of the growth strategy was needed to ensure that these services were extended to every citizen. He urged the departments concerned to perform their responsibilities with honesty and to meet targets set for them in a timely manner. He said an effective monitoring system should be evolved for the purpose.

The chief minister said development of the agriculture sector was an important part of the growth strategy. He said he hoped that the agriculture package announced by the provincial government would benefit small cultivators. He said a Kissan Commission set up by the government would help ensure uplift of the agriculture sector.

Sharif asked the departments concerned to undertake capacity building of their staff. This would help ensure that targets set under the growth strategy were met on time, he said.

He said the government had evolved a policy for balanced development of urban and rural areas. The construction and rehabilitation of farm to market roads would strengthen the rural economy, he added.

On the power sector, he said the government realised that the implementation of the growth strategy depended upon overcoming the energy crisis. He said work was underway on several power generation projects.

Provincial Ministers Rana Sanaullah, Raja Ashfaq Sarwar, Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Adviser to the CM Ijaz Nabi, and Chief Secretary Khizar Hayat Gondal were present.

Separately, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif reviewed the pace of construction work at an 1,180-megawatts gas-based power plant at Bhikki, Sheikhupura. Speaking at the occasion, he praised the engineers and workers and said that they were discharging an important national responsibility. He urged the departments concerned to ensure provision of all facilities required by the construction staff.

“The entire nation is looking forward to timely completion of power generation projects. Delay in completion of work will not be tolerated,” he said. He said he hoped that the project would be completed by the end of the next year.

‘Water conservation is a national responsibility’

In his message on the World Water Day, Sharif said water was Allah Almighty’s blessing for its creation. He said conservation and better management of fresh water resources was a national responsibility. He said joint efforts were needed to raise underground water level in the country. In recognition of the importance of potable water, the provincial government had launched a programme to supply safe drinking water to 40 million residents in the rural areas of the province, he said.

Sharif said that in the first phase the programme was being implemented in southern districts.

Following founders’ principles can ensure progress: Sharif

In his message for the Pakistan Day, Sharif said the independence of the country was a result of tireless efforts by Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He said Allama Muhammad Iqbal had provided a vision for the struggle for the country’s independence.

He called upon the citizens to renew their pledge to work hard for transforming the country in accordance with the vision of its founders. He said progress and prosperity could be achieved by adopting the principles of unity, discipline, hard work and honesty.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 23^rd,  2016.