For the people: Projects costing Rs12bn to be pitched for Annual Development Programme

Lawmakers say govt is interested in developing south Punjab

BAHAWALPUR: MNAs, MPAs and administration officers in Bahawalpur division met on Sunday to discuss development projects to be recommended for the Annual Development Programme in the upcoming financial year. They suggested development projects estimated to cost Rs12 billion.

The meeting was held at the commissioner’s office. Federal Education Minister Baligur Rehman, Senator Chaudhry Saood Majeed, Commissioner Saqib Zafar and lawmakers Chaudhry Khalid Mehmood Jajja, Khalid Mehmood Waran, Shoaib Awaisi, Afzal Gul and Syed Masood Alam participated in the meeting. Lawmakers from Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalnagar joined through video-link.

Among the projects proposed by lawmakers, are the construction of an additional circular road in Bahawalpur City at a cost of Rs2.30 billion, a safe drinking water treatment plant estimated to cost Rs100 million, an underpass near Islami Colony a cost of Rs250 million and the construction of an auditorium at the Bahawalpur Arts Council at a cost of Rs300 million. The Sutluj Lake and rubber dam projects were also reviewed.

Several lawmakers said that the government at the Centre was particularly interested in the development of Bahawalpur division and south Punjab. They said they would pitch more welfare projects this year so that the people of south Punjab could get better access to facilities.

The commissioner said they would also pay special attention to the timely completion of projects.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 11^th,  2016.