Minister reviews development programme, stresses urban flood prevention

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Feb, 2026) Punjab Minister for Local Government and Community Development (LG&CD) Zeeshan Rafique has directed authorities to adopt a Japanese model for construction of underground water tanks to prevent urban flooding and strengthen municipal infrastructure under the Punjab Development Programme (PDP).

Chairing a meeting at the Civil Secretariat to review progress of the programme, here on Wednesday, he said schemes had been launched in 46 cities while work orders for five more cities would be issued soon. Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmed Mian, Special Secretary Asia Gul, Project Director Brig (retd) Asad Mahmood and experts of National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) attended the meeting, whereas assistant project directors and Municipal Officers Infrastructure (MOIs) of the relevant cities joined via video link.

The minister said that “Maryam Nawaz’s Sohna Punjab” was a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving municipal services, particularly sewerage and stormwater drainage systems in cities facing longstanding issues.

He stressed that preventing urban flooding was a key focus in every city included in the PDP.

During the meeting, the Japanese model, especially the Shibukawa Reservoir Project of Kawasaki, was reviewed for replication. Zeeshan Rafique said rainwater stored in underground tanks could be utilised for irrigation purposes and would also help recharge natural groundwater reservoirs.

He directed assistant project directors and MOIs to strictly monitor contractors and ensure adherence to timelines, quality standards and transparency. He added that underground tanks were also being constructed along roadsides to facilitate immediate drainage of rainwater, while projects for repair of streets and roads and rehabilitation of parks would also be completed under the programme.

Praising the performance of the team in Salanwali city of Sargodha district, the minister warned that there would be no compromise on quality or deadlines and instructed officers to regularly visit project sites and upload photographic evidence on the official dashboard.