PDWP Approves Seven Development Projects Worth Over Rs7.5 Billion

By Farzana Chaudhry | Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: The Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) has approved seven development projects worth more than Rs7.5 billion across multiple sectors, officials said on Wednesday.
The approvals were granted during the 63rd meeting of the PDWP, chaired by Chairman Planning and Development (P&D) Board Dr Naeem Rauf.
Among the approved schemes is the strengthening of surgery and allied departments with an estimated cost of Rs2 billion. The PDWP also approved the construction of the Nauraja Bhutta flood protection bund on the right side of the River Sutlej at a cost of Rs1.8 billion, and the construction of a flood protection bund for Jalalpur Pirwala costing Rs1.2 billion.
Other approved projects include a feasibility study for flood management of the River Ravi in Tehsil Shakargarh, Narowal, and the Chumbian flood protection bund in Sialkot district, with an estimated cost of Rs40 million.
The PDWP also approved consultancy services for the design, supervision, and rehabilitation of link canals costing Rs1.225 billion, and the rehabilitation of the 3R Abbasia drainage system to reclaim waterlogged agricultural land in the command area of the Abbasia Canal System at an estimated cost of Rs1.1 billion.
In addition, the forum approved position papers for capacity building of the IWT&R Wing to improve regulation in the context of climate change, as well as the establishment of a Project Management Office (PMO) for the remodeling and rehabilitation of link canals and implementation of mega projects. Both initiatives involve the creation of posts and the procurement of vehicles.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Economist, members of the P&D Board, and representatives of relevant departments.