LAHORE (January 07 2010): Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has directed that a comprehensive system should be evolved for the implementation of development projects on fast track basis for the benefit of masses.

He said that an effective strategy should also be devised for capacity building of Lahore Development Authority (LDA) for the purpose of execution of mega projects and services of highly qualified and competent persons should be acquired from the market for this purpose.

He was addressing a high level meeting held to review the pace of implementation of development projects in the provincial metropolis, here Wednesday. The meeting reviewed in detail projects of Ring Road, Sato Katla, CBD, Doongi Ground and parking plazas.

Chairman Planning and Development, Commissioner Lahore, Director General Lahore Development Authority and senior officers concerned were present in the meeting. The Chief Minister said that development projects worth billions of rupees were being executed across the province, which would not only provide relief to the masses but would also leave a far-reaching impact on development process. He said that obsolete traditions of the past had been completely done away with and timely completion of uplift projects in a transparent manner had been ensured.

He said that third-party audit system had been made compulsory for all development projects. He said that present government considers itself custodian of every penny of public money and utilisation of funds for public welfare in a transparent manner was the responsibility of the government. He said that Pakistan was a poor country and could not afford wastage of resources.

He directed that conventional and obsolete system should be replaced with a dynamic and vibrant system for the implementation of development projects and modern technology should also be utilised.

He said that Lahore Ring Road Package-7 was the gateway of Lahore and besides plantation of maximum trees for its beautification, attractive landscapes and monuments should also be constructed. He said that a park of international standard should be constructed along Ring Road Package-6 for the provision of recreational facilities and it should be completely outsourced.

He directed that Lahore Ring Road Package-6 & 7 should be completed at the earliest and maximum tress should be planted at flyover, tunnel and the main carriage. He said that an excellent model of Sato Katla project should be made and he should be given a detailed briefing in this regard.

He said that all development projects should be low cost, simple and of the highest standard. Referring to illegal plazas, the Chief Minister said that had officers and staff of the departments concerned shown a sense of responsibility there would not have been any illegal constructions nor the need for their demolition would have arisen.

He said that no one was above the law and the purpose of operation against illegal plazas was to convey the message that no one could violate law on the basis of wealth and influence. Earlier, Commissioner Lahore Division while giving a detailed briefing about pace of implementation of development projects informed that work on Lahore Ring Road Package-6 &7 was in progress speedily and would be completed in the first week of February. He said that a comprehensive programme had been evolved for the development of landscape, horticulture and monuments on these packages. He further said that instead of imported electricity polls, locally manufactured polls of the highest standard had been erected on package-6.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2010