Rs23.85b to be spent on rural infrastructure

CM approves allocation for 475 villages

LAHORE:

The Punjab government has approved an allocation of Rs23.85 billion for the Khushhal Dehat Programme aimed at infrastructure improvement with Rs50 million earmarked for development in each village.

According to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the first phase of the programme will cover 475 villages, where paved streets and sewerage systems will be developed.

She directed relevant authorities to release the first instalment of funds to the village development committees this month.

Under the programme, committees comprising five government and four private members each will oversee development projects. The relevant additional deputy commissioner (social services) will head the committees, which will also include the union council chairman and sub-engineer concerned.

The chief minister sought a development plan for 2,000 more villages in the second phase of the initiative.

The chief minister said the provision of paved streets and an organised sewerage system in every village across Punjab was a priority, adding that development would be carried out across both urban and rural areas without discrimination on political grounds.

"Development programmes and resolution of public issues are the right of every area of Punjab," she said, adding that political affiliations would not be allowed to hinder the province's development.