June deadline set for civic projects

CM Maryam briefed on initiative under way in 51 cities

LAHORE:

Development work under a flagship programme initiated by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has been launched in 51 cities across the province for improving urban infrastructure and civic facilities.

Presiding over a meeting here on Sunday, the chief minister ordered that the first phase of the project be completed by June this year, with a focus on sewerage systems and other essential infrastructure in every city.

The chief minister assumed direct monitoring of the Punjab Development Plan to ensure transparency, efficiency and timely completion.

To ensure effective implementation, provincial and district-level control rooms are being established for real-time monitoring of projects and swift resolution of public complaints.

Under the plan, 5,887 kilometres of sewerage lines and 181 drainage channels will be constructed across the 51 cities.

Over 33,000 new manhole covers will be installed, while production of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes for sewerage is under way.

The deputy commissioners of Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bhakkar, Vehari, Wazirabad, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura and Kasur briefed the chief minister on progress and city-specific plans.

In Multan, 232km of sewerage lines, 81 pumps, 51 generators and 64km of urban roads will be installed and constructed, alongside expansion and beautification of the Bosan, Khanewal, Shujaabad and Nishtar roads.

Gujranwala will get 131km of sewerage and 2km of drainage lines, a wastewater treatment plant and 16 machinery units, marking the city's largest-ever development package.

In Dera Ghazi Khan, sewerage and drainage systems worth over Rs12 billion will be completed in two zones, the Manika Canal is being converted into an agricultural watercourse and 140km of sewerage lines is being constructed and rehabilitated.

Bhakkar will get a 42-inch sewerage line, 100 new manholes, solar-powered disposal stations, as well as parks, walkways and public washrooms.

Vehari has been allocated projects worth Rs6.7 billion, while Sheikhupura is seeing 95km of sewerage lines laid along with expedited completion of beautification projects.

The chief minister ordered improvement of cleanliness and civic management in Sheikhupura, praised the revamping of the Kasur District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital and ordered enhancement of sanitation services and urgent restoration of the sewerage system in Pattoki.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasised that every project under the Punjab Development Plan must be completed transparently and on time for ensuring that development reaches every street and neighborhood across the province.