LAHORE: Transparency must be ensured in the construction and rehabilitation of roads and hospitals, said Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif while presiding over a review meeting on the rehabilitation of roads, Basic Health Units and Rural Health Centers across Punjab Wednesday. “I will personally review these projects,” she said.
The chief minister directed prompt completion of the Lahore Ring Road SL-3 project and urged immediate action, in collaboration with the federal government, for the construction of SL-4.
Discussions in the meeting also included recommendations for the construction of the Deepalpur-Layyah Mega Road and other road projects.
The chief minister instructed planting of trees along roadsides, including the planting of 100,000 trees along the Gujranwala-Lahore Expressway.
Earlier, the chief minister was briefed that under the “Sarkein Bahaal Punjab Khushhal (Roads Restored Punjab Prosperous)” programme, the construction, repair, and rehabilitation of 590 arterial and connector roads across Punjab had commenced. Currently, four roads have been rehabilitated, while work is underway on five others. Construction progress updates were provided for roads including Muridke-Narowal, Painsara-Shorkot, Jhangra-Ahmedpur Sharqia, Chawinda-Sabz Pir and Zafar Wall roads.
It was mentioned that the Bahawalpur-Jhangra East expressway is expected to become the most scenic expressway in Punjab. Furthermore, an investor conference for the construction of Multan-Vehari Expressway is scheduled for May.
The chief minister was also briefed on the completion of construction and maintenance of health centers in Phulnagar, Manga, Shamke Bhattian, and Ferozwala, with ongoing work on others. She emphasized urgency in completing the upgrade of health centers.
Additionally, CM Maryam Nawaz directed early construction and rehabilitation of Lahore’s streets and bazaars, provision of streetlights and completion of drainage projects within three months.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a special meeting to review progress on the Lahore Development Plan. A comprehensive briefing was given on the construction and rehabilitation of Lahore’s streets, roads, sanitation and other developments.
It was decided to monitor the Lahore Development Plan through the Geographical Information System, with assistance from NesPak and environmental specialists. Environmental protection projects, park restoration and beautification are also part of the Lahore Development Plan.
The CM emphasized addressing the long-standing neglect of road construction and rehabilitation. She stressed: “I want to see all streets and bazaars clean and tidy, with sewage issues resolved.”
Also, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif held a meeting with MPAs from various districts of Punjab to discuss public issues and development needs in their respective constituencies. She informed the MPAs that 100% free medicines and free home delivery would soon be initiated.
Additionally, she announced plans for the construction, repair and rehabilitation of 600 roads, five expressways and three motorways in the province. The CM urged the MPAs to monitor sale of bread and naan at official rates in their constituencies.
MPAs Zahid Akram, Mohammad Ajmal Khan, Mohammad Kashif, and Agha Ali Haider attended the meeting.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif demanded strict legal action against the accused following an incident of alleged rape of a woman during a robbery in Okara. She emphasized that the perpetrators involved in this heinous act must be brought to justice. The chief minister also requested a report from the IGP on the matter.