Investment return: World Bank delegation visits the Walled City

Delegates tour Delhi Gate, Wazir Khan mosque, Gali Gol Pehlwan and Shahi Hamam.

LAHORE:

World Bank South Asia Vice President Philippe Le Houerou and Isabel Guerrero, the former vice president, visited the historical Walled City on Monday to witness progress on the restoration being funded by the international financial institution.

The World Bank delegation visited the historical Delhi Gate, Gali Surjan Singh, Phuloun Wali Gali, Gali Mian Sultan, Wazir Khan mosque, Chohatta Qazi Allahdad, Gali Gol Pehlwan, and Shahi Hammam. At the end the tour, the delegates visited the Badshahi Masjid.

Talib Hussain, the cultural and heritage expert at the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) informed the delegates about histories of various buildings in the area. Houerou said, “Historical sites of the world need to be restored. The quality of the façade and infrastructure laid out by the WCLA has been excellent. But there is room for improvement in preservation of historical monuments.”

He was especially impressed by the architectural design of Shahi Hammam (royal bath).

He interacted with the local community and social activists and appreciated their role in implementation of the project.

Guerrero said, “We look forward to working with the WCLA in the years to come. The mobilisation and communication teams of the WCLA have done an excellent of job educating local residents about the importance of restoring the historical site.”

WCLA Director General Kamran Lashari said, “World Bank representatives’ visit is a recognition of our efforts. Such projects are very sensitive because the work involves public as well as private properties.” He said social mobilisation was the most challenging aspect of restoration work. He hoped that the World Bank would continue to support the project.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 27^th, 2013.