Punjab to build 67 rainwater storage tanks

Rs310b initiative started in 52 cities; drain work to be completed before monsoon

LAHORE:

Punjab Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafique has announced that 67 underground rainwater storage tanks are being constructed in 52 cities across the province under the Punjab Development Program (PDP), as part of efforts to strengthen urban drainage infrastructure ahead of the monsoon season.

Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Civil Secretariat, the minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to completing drainage works before the onset of heavy rains.

The meeting reviewed development schemes worth Rs310 billion covering 51 towns under the PDP.

Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmed Mian, Special Secretary Asia Gul, and Project Director Ahmer Sohail Kaifi were also in attendance.

The project director briefed participants on progress made so far.

Zeeshan Rafique said work orders have recently been issued for two additional cities, bringing the total number of cities where schemes are underway to 48.

He added that work in the remaining three cities would commence during the current month.

Funds for the last city included in the programme, Kharian, have been transferred to the Planning and Development Department, and its feasibility study is nearing completion.

Directing officials to ensure strict oversight, the minister instructed the Project Director and Assistant Project Directors to conduct regular site visits.

"I am personally visiting various cities to monitor progress. The completion of underground water tanks is our top priority," he said.

Providing details of the ongoing works, Zeeshan Rafique said six roadside tanks are being constructed in Khushab, seven in Joharabad and five in Bhalwal.

Two tanks will be built in Bhera, eight in Silanwali and three in Sahiwal. One tank is under construction in Jalalpur Jatan, five in Lala Musa and two in Kharian.

He further said that three storage tanks are being constructed in Phalia and 19 in Kamoke.

In Wazirabad, nine underground tanks are underway, while seven are being built in Alipur Chatha. Excavation has been completed for one tank in Pattoki and ten in Kot Radha Kishan.

Phoolnagar and Kudian Khas will receive four tanks each, while five are planned for Bhakkar and six for Mianwali, where excavation has already been carried out.

Similarly, five tanks are under construction in Vehari and seven in Mailsi.

Nine underground tanks are planned for Burewala and Gago Mandi combined, while 11 will be built in Khanewal. Abdul Hakeem will receive six tanks, Mian Channu three and Kabirwala six.

In Toba Tek Singh and Kamalia, six tanks each are under construction, while Gojra will get 10.

The minister added that 13 roadside storage tanks will be built in Jaranwala, seven in Tandlianwala and five in Chak Jhumra.

Excavation has been completed for six underground tanks each in Sangla Hill and Pindi Bhattian.

Daska will receive seven tanks, Pasrur two and Sambrial 12.

Plans are also in place for seven tanks in Narowal, three each in Renala Khurd and Deepalpur, and 12 in Shakargarh.