Minister Bharth announces reforms to strengthen road maintenance, accountability

LAHORE, Jul 29 (APP): Punjab Minister for Communication and Works (C&W) Malik Sohaib Ahmad Bharth on Wednesday announced a major shift in the department’s operational approach, replacing the existing “Road Constructor” model with a “Road Custodian” culture to ensure the long-term maintenance and protection of road infrastructure.

Chairing a meeting on departmental reforms here, the minister said the Communication and Works (C&W) Department would now be responsible not only for constructing roads but also for their sustained upkeep. Secretary C&W Raja Jahangir Anwar, senior departmental officers and field formation officials, who joined via video link, attended the meeting.

Under the new policy, each Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) and Sub Engineer will be assigned specific roads and held fully accountable for their maintenance and improvement. Their responsibilities would include immediate repair of potholes, restoration of road shoulders and regular monitoring of road conditions.

The minister directed that, in addition to departmental inspection teams, independent teams would also inspect roads and submit photographs and reports on damaged sections to ensure effective monitoring and timely action.

He said strict disciplinary action would be taken against field officers found negligent or showing poor performance, adding that protecting road infrastructure was a key priority under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

He also announced the introduction of modern technology, advanced monitoring systems and a new accountability framework to strengthen oversight of road assets.

The minister expressed confidence that the transition from a Road Constructor to a Road Custodian culture would bring a positive institutional change, ensuring both quality road construction and sustainable long-term maintenance across the province.