Pb govt launches PPP initiative to engage business community in public welfare projects

LODHRAN, Jul 01 (APP): The Punjab government launched revolutionary initiative ‘Public Private Partnerships (PPP), aiming to involve the business community in public welfare and development projects alongside government departments.
The initiative was highlighted during a meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ashraf in Lodhran on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by Deputy Director Development Hafiz Muhammad Zafar, MD WASA Abdul Salam, District Council CEO Syed Muslihuddin, CEO Education Israr-ul-Haq, Additional Director Livestock Dr Allah Bachaya, Deputy Director Social Welfare Nand Laal, District Sports Officer Sajid Mahmood, Bashir Afzal and other senior officials.
Addressing the participants, the deputy commissioner said the Punjab government intended to directly engage the private sector in construction and other public-interest projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. He said private organisations would be able to support government resources through contractual agreements.
Muhammad Ashraf directed all heads of departments to submit viable proposals for PPP projects, adding that the initiative would encourage private investment on government-owned commercial sites while all facilities would be extended to private organizations under the Punjab Public-Private Partnership Act.
He said awareness would be provided to the business community regarding it. He added that effective utilisation of government land and infrastructure through private-sector participation would increase commercial activity and generate additional public revenue.
The deputy commissioner further said the Punjab Public-Private Partnership Authority would be bound for the implementation of all agreements. He added that suggestions from citizens regarding the productive use of government land and public spaces would also be considered, while government officials recommendations would be presented as sample before business community and be forwarded to the competent authority for approval.