The CM inaugurated the reconstruction of an eight-kilometre section of the road. PHOTO: EXPRESS
Under this project, all rural roads in the province will be repaired and reconstructed over the next three years at a cost of Rs150 billion.
The CM inaugurated the reconstruction of an eight-kilometre section of the road from Ladheke Bhullar to Pando in Suey Aasal in Kasur district.
“Rs15 billion has been allocated this year for the repair and construction of 2,000-kilometre roads in rural areas. Khadam-i-Punjab Daihi Road Programme is aimed at laying a network of rural roads in all districts of the province. The width of rural area roads will be increased from 10 feet to 12 feet.
With the inclusion of shoulders, the total width will become 24 feet. The roads constructed under the programme will be fully carpeted,” he said.
He said that millions of people living in rural areas would benefit from the programme. “This will result in provision of speedy transport and accelerate the process of economic development.
The project has been started to provide maximum facilities to the farmers. It will prove a milestone in the progress and prosperity of rural areas. It will help develop the agriculture sector.
Villagers will have easier access to schools, colleges and hospitals. It will ensure that fruits of social and economic development reach the rural populace,” he said.
He said that contractors for the project had been selected in a transparent manner. The chief minister announced that three of the best contractors would be given cash prizes and commendatory certificates. Cash prizes will also be given to their labour.
Ten of the best engineers on these roads will be given cash prizes and commendatory certificates.
“Anyone involved in malpractices will be strictly punished. Public money will not be misused or wasted. No compromise will be made on quality or transparency,” he said.
The CM directed the communication and works minister, the secretary and field officers to supervise the project closely.
The chief minister said that he would pay surprise visits to judge the quality of construction work.
Committee formed
Separately, the CM constituted a steering committee for formulating recommendations to send skilled manpower to foreign countries. He addressed a meeting through video link at Civil Secretariat in this regard on Sunday.
“A large number of skilled workers are required in the gulf countries for the Football World Cup in Qatar and the Dubai Expo,” he said.
He said that government departments should contact foreign embassies to acquire information about demands for skilled workers and devise a future strategy.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 6th, 2015.
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