LAHORE: Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique has issued a stern warning that any attempt of digging streets’ constructed under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s Lahore Development Programme (LDP) without any valid NOC from the district administration will result in strict penalties, including the registration of FIRs and heavy fines.
This applies equally to federal and provincial departments, he said while chairing the LDP’s weekly review meeting held at the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL) here on Wednesday.
The meeting was attended by Special Secretary Local Government Asia Gul, Deputy Commissioner Lahore Syed Musa Raza, MD Wasa Syed Ghufran Ahmed, Nespak officials, and all assistant commissioners. Officials briefed the minister on the progress achieved so far.
Expressing satisfaction with Phase-I progress, Minister Rafique stated, ‘Construction of 2,829 streets under LDP Phase-I is complete. MCL is currently paving 2,756 streets and will commence work on an additional 58 shortly. Similarly, Wasa has completed work on 645 streets, with progress ongoing on 530.’ He remarked that LDP Phase One is advancing rapidly towards completion. ‘All officers are working diligently. We expect to overcome delays caused by the ongoing monsoon rains,’ he added. The minister directed that speed and quality be maintained at all project stages, stressing that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s guidelines must be implemented in letter and spirit. ‘Phase Two work will commence soon in Allama Iqbal Town, Wagah Town, and Aziz Bhatti Town. Of the 138 schemes approved for Phase Two, work orders have been issued for 128. This includes 73 schemes in Iqbal Town, 44 in Wagah Town, and 21 in Aziz Bhatti Town’, he announced. The minister advocated for using tuff tiles on streets instead of Plain Cement Concrete (PCC), citing their superior durability. He instructed Nespak to expedite project clearance processes, emphasising that meeting the LDP timeline is the collective responsibility of all departments. Nespak officials were given a deadline of August 10 to complete their work, with the minister directing continuous monitoring of contractors. ‘Increase number of labourers to ensure schemes are completed early,’ he instructed. Zeeshan also directed MCL to form a special squad to monitor newly constructed roads and streets. He highlighted that alongside the LDP, the Punjab Development Programme (PDP) Model Village is a unique initiative of the Maryam Nawaz government. ‘Completing long-term sewerage and drainage schemes in cities and villages will provide significant relief to citizens,’ he noted. ‘For the first time, Lahore’s new face is emerging through these beautifully constructed streets. I appeal to citizens to cooperate in protecting these new schemes.’