LAHORE: Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique has said that the Punjab government has initially released Rs 10 million for the Punjab Development Programme (PDP) schemes; they will not allow any shortage of funds for public welfare projects.
He expressed these views while chairing a meeting held on Wednesday to review the progress on the PDP. Punjab Local Government Secretary Shakeel Ahmed Mian, Secretary Local Government Board Rizwan Naseer and Additional Secretary Ahmer Kaifi were also present. On this occasion, PDP Project Director Brigadier Mahmood (retd) briefed the meeting.
The Minister said that, like in the Lahore Development Programme, e-tendering was also adopted in the PDP. “The tendering process was being kept completely transparent as its entire process was digitised. Municipal schemes will be completed in 68 cities in the first phase of the PDP. The local government department will monitor the projects of 52 cities, while WASAs have been entrusted with the responsibility in the remaining cities,” he added.
Rafique further said that PDP is a major project to provide facilities in cities, under which construction and repair of drains and sewerage will be ensured in the cities. “A comprehensive strategy has been prepared to prevent urban flooding. Underground tanks will be built for rainwater storage,” he added.
According to him, for the first time, master planning has been ensured for all cities. Rehabilitation of roads and streets and street lights is also part of the programme. The needs of the population for the next 25 years are being kept in mind. Municipal services will be provided to 200 cities in several phases. Lining pipes will be used in sewerage schemes because the life of lining pipes is 100 years. An end-to-end solution will be provided for cities, which will benefit millions of people. Along with cities, work is underway on an ideal village project for the rural population as well. Every ideal village will be provided with city-like municipal services.
Meanwhile, the minister also attended the technical tendering process for 10 more cities under the PDP. The e-tenders submitted were opened in front of the contractors.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025