189 cities to get drainage system overhaul

CM approves implementation of Punjab Development Programme

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LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved a plan to initiate a new sewerage and drainage system in all major cities of the province.

She was presiding over a meeting in which the implementation of the Punjab Development Programme was approved after a detailed briefing.

Under the programme, sewerage, drainage of rainwater, paving of streets and other necessary development works will be done in 189 cities with a population of more than 100,000.

The CM immediately sought a plan for the development work in the cities.

The participants of the meeting were informed that sewerage bypasses will be built to improve the system and disposal stations will be built.

Water storage tanks will also be built for immediate drainage of rainwater. The water stored in the tanks can be used for irrigation and other purposes.

Directions were issued to address complaints of sewerage lines mixing with clean water. Drinking water pipelines will be laid parallelly at an appropriate distance.

It was also shared that 30km of roads will be constructed and renovated in each provincial constituency.

The CM called for immediate steps for the implementation of the Punjab Development Programme.

A proposal to build a model village was also reviewed in the meeting along with ongoing projects of Punjab Inclusive Cities Programme (PICP).

The CM said 150 million people of the province would benefit from the Suthra Punjab sanitation programme.

"Due to dearth of an effective sewerage system, every city is facing numerous problems. By establishing a durable and safe sewage system, roads will be protected from destruction," she said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz stated in her message on the World Day of Social Justice, "The foundation of every civilisrd society is based on social justice and equality."

She urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure social justice.

She added, "Social problems are arising owing to growing gap between the rich and the poor. The worst economic disparity must now be transformed into an unprecedented equality. A policy must be devised to include the deprived classes in the national mainstream."

The CM said, "The access of common man to health, education and other social needs depicts a true social justice system based on equality. The time has come for development for all in Punjab."

She said, "Minority Card, Himmat Card and other programmes are clear manifestation towards attaining the targets of social justice. Honhaar Scholarship, Kisan Card and other programmes are turning the dream of social justice into a reality."

The chief minister also expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in a traffic accident near Khanpur. She expressed sympathy with the bereaved families.