Punjab Development Program to Expand Drainage, Sewerage Infrastructure Across 52 Cities

By Dr Ansab Ali, Lahore Pakistan
LAHORE: Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique has said that 190 kilometers of new drains will be constructed under the Punjab Development Program (PDP), while 26 kilometers of existing drains will also be repaired to improve urban infrastructure and drainage systems across the province.
He expressed these views while chairing a review meeting on the PDP at the Civil Secretariat, where Special Secretary, Program Management Unit officers and Assistant Project Directors briefed the minister on the progress achieved so far.
The minister said that 287 suction, jetting and de-silting machines are also being procured under the program to strengthen municipal services and improve sewer cleaning operations. He added that around 3,497 kilometers of sewer lines will either be newly constructed or repaired in various cities.
Zeeshan Rafique further revealed that, for the first time, 25 general and 152 roadside underground water storage tanks are being built simultaneously, with a combined storage capacity of 55 million gallons of water.
He said that on the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the use of lining pipes has been made mandatory in all development schemes to ensure durability and improved infrastructure standards.
The minister stated that the Local Government Department is currently monitoring municipal schemes in 52 cities across Punjab. He observed that many cities previously lacked proper sewage systems, adding that the government had prioritised the worst-affected urban areas during the first phase of the PDP.
“The scope of the Punjab Development Program will gradually be expanded to 200 cities in different phases,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of urban planning, Zeeshan Rafique said that master town planning would not only ensure better execution of development projects but would also play a key role in preventing urban flooding.
He directed Municipal Officers (Infrastructure) to ensure effective monitoring and timely completion of all ongoing development schemes.