Work underway in 51 cities under supervision of Local Government Department

By Muhammad Shahzad | Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: A meeting chaired by Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique reviewed the progress of the Punjab Development Program (PDP) at the Civil Secretariat, where the Project Director briefed participants on ongoing initiatives.
During the meeting, Zeeshan Rafique stated that development work is currently underway in 51 cities under the Local Government Department as part of the “Maryam Nawaz’s Beautiful Punjab” program.
He revealed that the department has so far saved Rs28 billion across various schemes through transparent tendering processes. The minister further shared that 46 out of 55 suction machines have already been ordered, while procurement of 55 jetting machines and 100 dewatering sets is also in progress.
Highlighting further developments, he said that the procurement of 77 desilting machines under the PDP is in its final stages, adding that the availability of modern machinery will play a key role in preventing urban flooding.
Zeeshan Rafique also noted that, on the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, a network of underground water storage tanks is being developed across cities. He explained that roadside underground tanks will facilitate immediate drainage of rainwater, while also allowing stored water to be reused when needed.
The minister said that citizens will benefit significantly from a more systematic sewage and drainage system. He added that, alongside the rehabilitation of 61 disposal stations, 56 new disposal stations will be constructed.
Under the PDP, comprehensive master planning for urban development has been completed up to 2050. He further informed that advanced pipe-lining technology has been introduced in Pakistan, with installation of related plants underway in various cities.