Over 2,600 projects planned for South Punjab

The implementation of the Annual Development Programme (ADP) in South Punjab is making significant strides, with 2,600 development projects underway in the region.

These projects, allocated a total of Rs135 billion, are progressing steadily, with 81% of the allocated funds already utilised.

To assess the progress of the Annual Development Program, a meeting was convened on Thursday under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary South Punjab, Fuad Hashim Rabbani.

The session included a comprehensive briefing by Secretary P&D South Punjab, Aftab Pirzada, who outlined the progress made on various projects.

In attendance were Secretary Livestock, Nasir Jamal Hotiana, Secretary Irrigation, Abdul Khaliq Razaqi, Secretary Board of Revenue, Mehr Khalid, as well as Additional Secretaries from the Finance and Local Government Departments.

Bahawalpur Commissioner Nader Chatta also participated in the meeting.

Expressing satisfaction with the ongoing implementation of the Annual Development Programme, Additional Chief Secretary Fuad Hashim Rabbani underscored the importance of transparent utilisation of allocated funds.

He urged Administrative Secretaries to ensure accountability and take action against any lapses in the utilisation of development funds. Emphasising the government's commitment to delivering development benefits to the public in a timely manner, he instructed administrative secretaries to conduct field visits and closely monitor departmental projects to ensure their timely completion.

During the briefing, Secretary Planning and Development South Punjab highlighted the diverse range of projects included in the Annual Development Programme.

These projects span various sectors, including Higher Education (43 projects), School Education (10 projects), Public Buildings (120 projects), Specialised Health Care (17 projects), Primary and Secondary Health Care (122 projects), Irrigation (54 projects), Roads (510 projects), Urban Development (81 projects), Water Supply and Sewerage (392 projects), Local Government (395 projects), Agriculture (8 projects), Livestock (5 projects), Forestry (3 projects), and Wildlife (2 projects).

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the government's commitment to ensuring the successful completion of development projects in South Punjab.

Administrative officials have been directed to monitor progress closely and address any challenges to ensure the timely delivery of development benefits to the people of the region. APP

Published in The Express Tribune May 10^th, 2024.