Uplift projects in 66 cities from next fiscal year: minister

LAHORE:Provincial Minister for Local Govt Zeeshan Rafiq has said that development projects will be launched in 66 cities from the next fiscal year and the Chief Minister Punjab Cities Development Programme (CMPCDP) has been designed keeping in mind the needs of cities till 2050.

While chairing a review meeting held at the Civil Secretariat, he remarked that CM Punjab has approved the provision of basic amenities in all cities. The dirt streets will be paved on the lines of the Lahore Development Programme.

Secretary Local Govt Shakeel Ahmed Mian and Additional Secretary Ahmar Kaifi were also present in the meeting, while deputy commissioners of various districts participated in the meeting through video link. Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (PMDFC) MD Syed Zahid Aziz gave a briefing on the Cities Development Programme.

Zeeshan Rafiq said that under this mega project, along with the repair of link roads in the cities, a sewage system will also be developed in which the lining sewer pipes will be used, which remain effective for a hundred years. He said that storm water drainage and storage are a special part of this programme. "In the next phase 110 more cities will be brought under this programme".

The minister directed the DCs to ensure the implementation of the decisions of the Steering Committee saying that contracts for the project should be awarded only through e-tendering. "Quality and transparency should be kept in mind at every stage", he urged.

Zeeshan Rafiq said that only the available manpower should be used for this programme, however services of technical experts are allowed to be obtained additionally. He stressed that before the construction of streets and roads, gas and electricity companies should complete their development work. "After the completion of the cities project, no excavation or demolition will be allowed. An NOC of the DC has been declared necessary for this purpose", he warned. On this occasion, Secretary Local Govt directed that each DC should also keep in touch with the chief officer of local body of the city concerned so that the targets can be achieved in time.

Cleaning carried out at bus stands

On the directives of CEO Babar Sahib Din, the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) has initiated uninterrupted citywide cleaning operations to ensure a clean and healthy environment across the city.

Special cleaning measures have been carried out at bus stands, Larri Adda, and other high-traffic public areas in anticipation of the return of people following Eid celebrations. Sanitation teams have been active since early morning, maintaining cleanliness across Lahore.

To effectively manage all 197 commercial markets in the city, the LWMC has deployed cleaning staff in three shifts. Over 2,500 rickshaws are also involved in door-to-door waste collection services.

The CEO stated that LWMC has mobilised more than 15,000 workers, over 1,400 vehicles, and numerous officers working around the clock to ensure optimal cleanliness. He emphasised that maintaining a clean and healthy environment for citizens during all festivals and occasions remains a top priority. As part of the Eid-ul-Adha grand cleaning operation, all available resources have been employed to address 100 percent of public complaints promptly. Citizens are encouraged to report cleanliness-related issues and suggestions through the LWMC helpline at 1139 or via social media platforms.