Minister reviews progress of Punjab Development Programme

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Mar, 2026) Punjab Minister for Local Government and Community Development (LG&CD) Zeeshan Rafique chaired a review meeting at the Civil Secretariat on Saturday to assess progress of schemes under the Punjab Development Programme (PDP), directing officials to ensure timely completion of ongoing projects.

Special Secretary (Development) Asia Gul and Project Director Ahmer Sohail Kaifi briefed the meeting on the implementation status of the programme.

The minister was informed that installation of RCC pipe plants had begun in five cities, including Wazirabad, Sahiwal/Sargodha, Kamalia, Lodhran and Ferozewala.

Zeeshan Rafique said only lined pipes with a lifespan of up to 100 years would be used in all PDP schemes to ensure durable drainage infrastructure. He added that additional plants would also be installed to maintain the supply of RCC pipes.

The minister said transparent tendering carried out under the supervision of the Local Government Department had resulted in savings of Rs13 billion in 51 cities.

During the briefing, it was informed that 32 roadside storage tanks were being constructed in the first phase, while excavation work had started for 292 underground water tanks. A total of 324 storage tanks across various cities would help control urban flooding.

The meeting was informed that projects in cities including Hazro, Burewala, Bhera, Sillanwali, Alipur Chatha, Narowal, Sangla Hill, Hasilpur, Phalia, Wazirabad and Mian Channu were progressing, while underground tank projects in Chichawatni, Muridke, Toba Tek Singh, Sahiwal, Pindi Bhattian, Sambrial and Daska were nearing completion with double shifts introduced to speed up work.

The minister directed contractors to complete work before the monsoon season and said strict safety measures had been ensured at excavation sites.