Living standards: ‘Homes being built for poor women’

Commissioner meets IFAD team in Bahawalpur

BAHAWALPUR: “At least 10 houses have been provided to deserving women in Ahmadpur East,” said Michael Mordasini of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) on Friday.

He was addressing a meeting presided over by Bahawalpur Commissioner Saqib Zafar. Poverty Alleviation Programme Project Director Raja Sagheer, Senior Program Officer Qayam Shah, National Rural Support Programme Regional General Manager Abdul Razzaq Shirani were also present.

SPPAP Project Director Raja Sagheer told the meeting that Rs4,126 million had been allocated for the project in Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Muzaffargarh and Rajanpur.

He said 28,867 women had been provided 57,734 goats. He said 1,255 women had been provided with residential plots.  He said 850 houses were being constructed. “Ownership of 311 houses will be granted to deserving women within a month.” The commissioner thanked officials of the International Fund for Agricultural Development.

“We are hoping this project will improve living standards of the people in south Punjab,” he said. “This project will provide poor women resources to live their independently.”

Sagheer told the meeting that 8,000 people had been provided training in various skills. “We also provided 10,057 farmers seed and fertilizers. At least 328 units of agricultural equipment were also distributed among small farmers.” Later, the commissioner presented a shield to Mordasini.

Investigation officers

Regional Police Officer Ehsan Sadiq on Friday said 72 model investigation officers would be deployed in police stations across the district to investigate cases using modern tools. “Investigation techniques must be updated so that cases can be solved quickly,” he said.

The RPO said that the model police officials would work closely with their colleagues next month and train them in new investigation procedures. He issued the orders while addressing a meeting.

The RPO said these model investigation officers would complete ordinary cases on fast-track basis. “The investigation process includes ascertaining the truth. Merit and transparency must be ensured,” the RPO said.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 21^st, 2016.