LAHORE : Punjab Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafique has said that installation of RCC pipe plants has started in five cities under the Punjab Development Programme (PDP).
The minister, while addressing a review meeting held at the Civil Secretariat on Saturday, said that Rs13 billion was saved in 51 cities through transparent tendering under the supervision of the Local Government Department. Special Secretary (Development) Asia Gul and Project Director Ahmer Sohail Kaifi gave a briefing during the meeting.
Zeeshan Rafique said that on the instructions of CM Maryam Nawaz, only lined pipes, which last for one hundred years, will be used in all PDP schemes. He said that initially these plants are being set up in Wazirabad, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Kamalia, Lodhran and Ferozewala. More plants will also be set up to maintain the supply line, he informed.
Zeeshan Rafique said that the Punjab Development Programme is a huge project of the Maryam Nawaz government. "Never before have such projects been started in so many cities simultaneously. The CM is getting regular updates on the PDP," he observed.
He further said that 32 roadside underground storage tanks are being built in the first phase. "Excavation has been started for another 292 underground water tanks. With the construction of a total of 324 storage tanks in different cities, it will be possible to control urban flooding", he vowed.
During the meeting, the provincial minister was briefed on the schemes for Hazro, Burewala, Bhera, Silanwali, Alipur Chattha, Narowal, Sangla Hill, Hasilpur, Phalia, Wazirabad, Mian Channu and was informed that the construction of underground tanks in Chichawatni, Muridke, TT Singh, Sahiwal, Pindi Bhattian, Sambrial and Daska entering its final stages and a double shift has also been set up.
The local government minister said that solid safety measures have been taken at the excavation sites. He directed that the contractors should try to complete the work before the monsoon.
