Rural water, sanitation projects to be expanded

Over 2,000 villages to benefit from clean water schemes

RAWALPINDI:

Work is underway on modern clean drinking water supply and sanitation projects in 2,000 villages across Punjab through collaboration between the Punjab government and the World Bank.

Under the Chief Minister's "Model Village Programme," the provision of urban-style basic facilities in more than 450 villages is also progressing rapidly.

According to officias, projects for drinking water, sanitation and model villages in rural areas have been launched under the Punjab Rural Municipal Services Company (PRMSC).

PRMSC Chief Executive Officer Khurram Pervez during a visit to Tehsil Kallar Kahar, reviewed ongoing development activities and stressed improving overall project performance while assessing work quality.

During the visit, the CEO, along with the field team, inspected various villages including Khai, Wasnal and Sirkalan. A detailed review was conducted of construction pace and quality, functionality of water supply systems, drainage arrangements and recovery of dues.

He directed the staff to ensure all work is completed on time and according to prescribed standards to provide the best facilities to the public.

The CEO said that under the special attention of the Punjab government and the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, historic steps are being taken for the welfare of rural populations. In collaboration with the World Bank, modern water supply and sanitation projects are successfully ongoing in 2,000 villages across the province.

Under the "Model Village Programme," provision of urban-style basic facilities in over 450 villages is also advancing rapidly, significantly improving living standards in rural areas.

Khurram Pervez also met local residents, listened to their concerns and issued necessary instructions for immediate resolution. He emphasised that public cooperation is essential for sustainability of projects, particularly timely payment of dues to ensure continuity of services. At the final stage of the visit, proposed villages Matan Khurd and Matan Kalan were also inspected, where ground realities, planning needs and potential service delivery were reviewed.

It was stressed that 100 per cent recovery of dues must be ensured in future projects to maintain uninterrupted services.

The visit proved productive overall, providing clear guidance to enhance service delivery systems, expand scope, improve financial discipline and strengthen coordination among stakeholders. Furthermore, on the CEO's instructions, Earth Hour was also observed across all tehsils of PRMSC to raise environmental awareness and promote efficient energy use and environmental protection.