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LAHORE, Jul 30 (APP):Punjab Minister for Local Government and Community Development (LG&CD) Zeeshan Rafique has issued a firm warning against any unauthorised digging of streets constructed under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s Lahore Development Program (LDP).
He made it clear that any department or individual found damaging LDP infrastructure without prior approval from the district administration will face strict penalties, including registration of FIRs and heavy fines.
The minister expressed these views while presiding over the weekly LDP review meeting held at the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL), here on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by Special Secretary Local Government Asia Gul, Deputy Commissioner Lahore Syed Musa Raza, MD WASA Syed Ghufran Ahmed, NESPAK officials, and all assistant commissioners. Officials briefed the Minister on the progress of various ongoing schemes under the LDP.
Expressing satisfaction over the pace of Phase-I, the minister noted that construction of 2,829 streets has been completed, while paving work is underway on another 2,756 streets. Additionally, WASA has completed sewerage work on 645 streets, with work progressing on 530 more. He commended the commitment of officers and field teams, adding that despite delays caused by the monsoon rains, Phase-I is moving swiftly toward completion.
The minister emphasized the importance of maintaining both speed and quality at every stage, reiterating that the LDP must be implemented in line with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision and directives. He announced that Phase-II of the LDP is set to commence shortly in Allama Iqbal Town, Wagah Town, and Aziz Bhatti Town, where 138 schemes have been approved and work orders issued for 128. This includes 73 schemes in Iqbal Town, 44 in Wagah Town, and 21 in Aziz Bhatti Town.
Advocating for the use of tuff tiles over Plain Cement Concrete (PCC), the minister cited their greater durability and aesthetic appeal. He instructed NESPAK to expedite project clearance and gave a deadline of August 10 for the completion of all pending technical processes. He also ordered strict contractor monitoring, urging departments to increase the number of laborers to accelerate completion timelines. To preserve the integrity of newly built infrastructure, Zeeshan Rafique directed MCL to form a dedicated monitoring squad for streets and roads constructed under the LDP.
The minister said the Punjab Development Program (PDP) Model Village initiative is a special and important step to improve infrastructure in both cities and villages. He added that long-term sewerage and drainage schemes being executed under the LDP and PDP will provide lasting relief to citizens. “For the first time, Lahore’s new face is emerging through these beautifully constructed streets,” he said. “I appeal to citizens to cooperate in protecting these public assets and ensuring the success of these historic development projects.”