27 new bazaars to offer subsidised essentials
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has set the deadline of July for opening 27 new Sahulat Bazaars across the province. Additionally, 13 'Sahulat on the go' bazaars will be established in various districts.
According to an official statement, 1,300 new businesses will be launched in the 27 Sahulat Bazaars, while more than 600 direct employment opportunities will be created.
It was stated that fruits, vegetables and other essential items would be available at 40 per cent lower prices than the markets and 18% than those notified by local administration. The initiative is projected to benefit more than 850,000 households, resulting in annual savings exceeding Rs5.3 billion.
Sales of vendors in the welfare markets are expected to be 24% higher and profits by 23%.
Shopkeepers in Sahulat Bazaars will collectively save approximately Rs530 million annually in electricity, cleanliness and security services, which will be provided free of charge..
Each Sahulat Bazaar will be monitored through surveillance cameras from a central control room.
A free home delivery service within a five-kilometre radius will be ensured within 40 minutes
The new bazaars will be set up in tehsils of Bhakkar, Mianwali, Pakpattan, Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh, Mandi Bahauddin, Rawalpindi, Attock and Jhelum. Districts Khanewal, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Okara, Sialkot, Gujrat and Sargodha are also part of the project.
'Sahulat on the go' bazaars will be established in various tehsils of Lahore, Jhelum, Bhakkar, Rawalpindi, Kasur and Faisalabad.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the availability of fruits and vegetables at reduced prices would provide tangible economic relief to the public.
She stated that the Sahulat Bazaars would offer a clean environment with quality fruits, vegetables and other goods at affordable prices.
Facilities such as parking, seating arrangements and dedicated counters for senior citizens will be provided. Clean drinking water, mosques and a family-friendly environment will also be ensured.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also chaired a meeting via video link with deputy commissioners across the province to review progress on the Punjab Development Plan and Lahore Development Plan. She was informed that about 40% of the most critical work had been completed in 51 cities.
The first phase of the Lahore Development Plan and 76% work on Phase II has been completed. The chief minister ordered that the plan for Phase III be presented and the ongoing phase be completed by the end of next month.
She was informed that 16,410 streets in Lahore are being upgraded, with 60 being improved in a day.
Under the provincial plan, rainwater drainage work has reached an average of 40% completion in the 51 cities. In Kamalia, 70% of stormwater drainage work has been completed, while Gojra stands at 65%, Toba Tek Singh and Chichawatni 55% and Joharabad and Jalalpur Jattan 44%.
The chief minister was informed that work has begun on the provision of machinery worth Rs6.6bn, including 46 suction and 45 jetting machines, 100 dewatering sets and 77 desilting machines. The machinery will be supplied to 52 cities by the end of June.
CM Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to ensure foolproof arrangements ahead of the early monsoon season, warning that negligence would not be tolerated. She stressed the need to complete preparations in advance and ensure implementation of safety protocols. She reviewed pictures of upgraded streets and expressed satisfaction.
She said many streets had previously resembled "filthy cattle sheds" and residents, particularly women, had long suffered due to stagnant water, foul smell and lack of access.
It was shared in the briefing that 85% of the Ichhra Bazaar upgradation project had been completed.
The chief minister expressed her intent to inaugurate the upgraded market. She ordered immediate repair of service roads across the province.
She ordered that roads dug up for development work must be restored without delay.
The chief minister also ordered upgradation of both service lanes along Ferozepur Road.
She ordered immediate clearance of plastic bags from roads after storms.
In a message on International Firefighters' Day, the CM said the firefighters are being equipped with the best safety gear, snorkels and vehicles. Fire hydrants have been installed in high-rise buildings and markets, while regular inspection of fire extinguishers in residential buildings is also being ensured.