CM for effective flood warning system

LAHORE
Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said the flood affectees will not be left alone and every effort will be made for their help and rehabilitation. He issued instructions for the provision of additional funds immediately for the affected districts and said that all-out resources would be provided for the relief of flood affectees.
He said the flood affected people should be provided proper care as well as meals thrice a day. He said that stern action would be taken in case of complaint received from any area. He said the delay in the provision of food to the flood affectees would not be tolerated.
Shahbaz Sharif was addressing the Members of the Cabinet Committee on Flood present at the Civil Secretariat Lahore, Divisional Headquarters and 25 districts through a video link on Wednesday. The meeting reviewed the flood situation, protective arrangements and relief activities. DG PDMA gave briefing on the relief activities and river situation whereas authorities of the Meteorological Department informed the media about weather situation during coming days.
The chief minister said the flood warning system should be used in an effective manner in the areas where there was a threat of flood. He said the evacuation of the people living near rivers should be the top priority. He said the implementation of ban on bathing in the rivers should be strictly implemented and police should perform its duties in this regard. The chief minister directed that the federal and provincial institutions should exchange information on weather situation and flow of water in rivers and remain alert to deal with any emergent situation. He said the essential items should be provided to the flood affectees at relief camps on priority basis while their vaccination against diseases should also be ensured. He said the arrangements for the supply of food items to the flood affectees should be excellent and there should not be any complaint of mismanagement.
He issued instructions for making public the dashboard regarding protective arrangements against the flood and relief activities for the awareness of the people and said that work should be carried out round-the-clock for strengthening of protective bunds. He said the Irrigation Department should benefit from the experiences of the floods of 2010 and 2014. He said the Cabinet Committee on Flood should play an active role while the policy evolved regarding Zimindara bunds should be fully implemented.
The chief minister directed the irrigation minister to personally inspect the bunds in Rajanpur and Dera Ghazi Khan. He said the members of the Cabinet Committee on Flood and secretaries should work hard in the areas assigned to them.
Layyah: Shahbaz Sharif has taken notice of the news on Geo News regarding relief activities at TDA Chowk Layyah and sought a report from DCO Layyah. The chief minister, while issuing orders for immediate provision of food items and mineral water to the relief camp, directed that provision of eatables, mineral water and other necessary facilities should be ensured at the relief camp at any cost. He said the negligence in the provision of relief to the flood affectees would not be tolerated and their proper care should be ensured.
Meanwhile, Shahbaz Sharif has set up a committee for investigation of allegations of corruption and irregularities in civil works of District Headquarters Hospital Layyah. Chairman Chief Minister’s Inspection Team will be convener of the committee whereas three more members will be included in the committee.
The committee will revisit the process of tendering for civil works of the hospital. It will also conduct an inquiry into the standard and quality of civil works according to the PC-I of the project and if any violation is found then responsibilities will fixed. The committee will submit a comprehensive report after the inquiry within five days.
Chinese investors: A delegation of Chinese investors called on Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, here Wednesday and expressed interest in the project of industrial and agricultural park in Punjab. Speaking on the occasion, Shahbaz Sharif said that the role of private sector was of vital importance in the development of agriculture and industrial sectors. He said that investment by Chinese investors would be welcomed and all-out facilities would be provided for this purpose.
He issued instructions for setting up of a committee of authorities of the departments concerned regarding Chinese investment in the project of setting up industrial and agricultural park and said that the committee would keep a close contact with Chinese investors and give a final shape to the investment plan.
The delegation of Chinese investors said that Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif was the builder of Pak-China friendship. They said that there was an excellent atmosphere for investment in Pakistan especially Punjab and they wanted to invest in the project of agro-based industrial park in the province.
roads: Shahbaz Sharif has said that the Punjab government is implementing the policy of balanced development of urban and rural areas and Khadim-e-Punjab Rural Roads programme reflects this policy of the government.
He said that completion of this programme would usher in a new era of progress and prosperity in rural areas. He said that skill development would be promoted in villages while new job opportunities would be created. He said that the second phase of construction and rehabilitation of rural roads was being started from next month.
The chief minister expressed these views while addressing a video conference in Civil Secretariat and Divisional Headquarters regarding Khadim-e-Punjab Rural Roads programme from Arfa Karim Software Technology Park, here on Wednesday. Important decisions regarding the second phase of Khadim-e-Punjab Rural Roads programme were taken in the meeting.
Shahbaz Sharif approved increase in the width of the roads of rural areas from 12 feet to 16 feet in the second phase. Concrete blocks at the edges of 16 feet wide roads besides speed-breakers near populated rural areas will be constructed. Moreover, it was decided to set up an autonomous authority for the programme of construction and rehabilitation of rural roads and implementation of other projects.
He gave instructions to give a final shape to the framework of setting up of the authority at the earliest. He said that the second phase of construction and rehabilitation of rural roads was being started from next month and the targets of construction and repair of roads would be achieved in the second phase.
He directed that Cabinet Committee on Khadim-e-Punjab Rural Roads Programme and Special Committee comprising Assembly Members should submit recommendations within a week regarding improvement of distribution plan of roads.
He said an international seminar would be organised in August regarding the programme of construction and rehabilitation of rural roads. He said that besides construction companies of China and Turkey, experts in construction sectors would also participate in this seminar.
Assembly Members said that Khadim-e-Punjab Rural Roads programme was a big gift of Punjab government for rural population.
Secretary Communication & Works gave a detailed briefing regarding progress of Khadim-e-Punjab Rural Roads programme.