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LAHORE, Oct 30 (APP):Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique, while chairing a review meeting of the Punjab Development Programme (PDP) held at the Civil Secretariat, directed the Project Director to take care of the timeline.
Secretary Local Government Board Rizwan Naseer, Additional Secretary Ahmer Kaifi also attended the meeting, while Project Director Brig (retd) Asad Mahmood briefed the participants about progress made so far.
Minister Zeeshan said that the Punjab government had allocated Rs 304 billion for PDP. “A special strategy has been formulated in the program to deal with urban flooding”, he remarked. He said that drains will be constructed according to the needs of each city. “For the first time, he continued, “comprehensive infrastructure will be provided for cities through PDP and planning has been done keeping in mind the population till 2050”.
Zeeshan Rafique said that the tendering process for 52 cities has been completed in the first phase of PDP. “Development schemes are being prepared for 200 cities in phases, however, work will start first in 12 cities with the worst situation”, he added.
The minister said that Attock, Kamoke, Lalamusa, Khanewal, Wazirabad are among these 12 cities. “Similarly, the required roadmap for Alipur Chatha, Layyah, Daska, Burewala has been completed. Besides, initial work on projects has also started in Mailsi, Jaranwala, Vehari”, he observed. Zeeshan Rafique said that underground tanks will be built for effective drainage and storage of rainwater. “Broken roads and streets will be reconstructed under the project”. He also directed to pay special attention to the restoration of street lights and parks and to strictly monitor the PDP projects.