Anti-encroachment squad gets 17 vehicles
Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique handed over the keys of 17 vehicles worth Rs222 million provided by the chief minister for municipal services to the citizens of Lahore.
The new trucks, tractors and other vehicles will be used by the anti-encroachment squad of the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL). These include 12 open and two dumper trucks, two tractors with backhoe and an excavator. The minister said no new vehicle had been purchased for the MCL in the past several years, while the population had increased manifold. “Due to the shortage of vehicles, anti-encroachment operations and other services were facing difficulties,” he told the media.
He said the capacity of the anti-encroachment squad had been greatly increased.
He said an effective province-wide cleaning system is being introduced following experiences of the developed countries. The minister said implementation of a big plan for revamping Lahore will change the face of the city in a few months. “Under the Revamping initiative, a comprehensive plan has been prepared for maintenance and provision of municipal services at every street of Lahore,” said Rafique.
The provincial minister said the previous government had sent running local bodies home overnight, while the PML-N strongly believed in the local government system. The minister said work has been started on the preparation of a new local bodies law.
Replying to a question, he said a comprehensive package is being brought to solve the problems of farmers.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 8th, 2024.