Maryam wants timely completion of projects

LAHORE: Directing the Punjab Information Technology Board to create a dashboard for real-time monitoring of all projects, CM Maryam Nawaz has instructed the authorities to “ensure timely completion of projects in any case.”

The Punjab chief minister was reviewing projects under the Annual Development Programme 2024-25 during a meeting of the Planning and Development Board on Thursday. She also instructed to submit PC1 of all schemes by July 15. Maryam also directed spending funds on hospitals and instructed setting up a company to export meat, prawns, animals and garments.

Maryam was briefed on the initiation of an ambulance service at every interchange of motorways in Punjab. She was also informed that 106 development projects would be completed with the support of foreign institutions. The chief minister directed for an immediate release of Rs400 million for the ongoing development projects, besides the release of remaining allocated funds. She also directed releasing 25pc of the Universal Health Insurance fund monthly.

During another meeting, the chief minister reviewed progress on 282 projects of the Departmental Development Sub-Committee and 378 projects of the Provincial Development Working Party. She also directed to ensure the early completion of renovation of health centres across Punjab.

Maryam fixed August 13 deadline to start the construction of the 189-km Chichawatni-Layyah Road and the 93-km Multan-Vehari Road. She was informed that the construction of Sahiwal-Saharani and Bahawalnagar-Jhangra East Interchange Road will start by August 13. Also the construction of Faisalabad-Chiniot-Sargodha Road will start on July 31.

During another event, the chief minister said the Punjab government was committed to developing SMEs and creating a conducive environment through business-friendly policies. The CM said the Punjab government encouraged SMEs in every sector, including agriculture, livestock and garments. Growth opportunities will emerge through digital technologies and e-commerce platforms, she said.

Meanwhile, giving a briefing about the meeting, Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the Punjab chief minister has taken a big and important step to speed up the development process in the province and to make accurate and timely estimates of cost in the PC1 in December. It has been decided to start the process of preparation and cost estimation of PC1 in December. It will be possible to start the implementation of the projects from July instead of September. The speed of implementation of projects will be many times faster.

Aurangzeb said the chief minister has asked the Ministry of Planning and Development to submit all the PC1 for the development projects by July 15 and to complete all the plans by August 31. The chief minister has also set clear targets for the implementation of the budget for the financial year 2024-25

Preparations have been started for the implementation of the largest development budget of Rs840 billion in the history of Punjab. Five-year strategic goals and development plans are set with time-bound implementation targets. CM Maryam entrusted the task to the Ministry of Planning and Development and a review meeting will be held after every 14 days. She also directed to make PC1 with the help of experts and announced not to compromise on quality and speed.

The chief minister will monitor the performance of ministers and ministries through ‘Key Performance Index’ and ‘Score Cards’.