Punjab inclusive cities programme: Workshop reviews environmental, social systems

LAHORE:A consultative workshop was organised under the Punjab Inclusive Cities Programme (PICP) by the Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (PMDFC) in collaboration with the World Bank to review environmental and social systems.

The purpose of the workshop was to discuss the draft Environmental and Social Systems Assessment (ESSA) report, ensure the effective integration of environmental and social aspects in project implementation, and provide guidance to stakeholders at both policy and operational levels.

The workshop was attended by administrators, chief officers, municipal officers (infrastructure and planning) from 15 municipal committees across Punjab, representatives from consulting firms and technical experts.

Other participants included representatives from Unicef, WaterAid, NIBGE, Waste Management Companies (Gujranwala, Lahore, and Faisalabad), the Environmental Protection Department, Urban Unit, Sangat Foundation, and various other relevant institutions.

PMDFC team members Mehmood Masood, Tamanna, Moeen Ud Din Sheikh, Adnan Nisar, Nouman Akhtar, Moazzam Jamil Malik, Syed Aamir Mehmood Shah, and Rukhsana Shahid were also in attendance.

Special Secretary, Local Government Department, Punjab, Asia Gul, participated as the chief guest. She stated that under the Punjab Inclusive Cities Programme, projects related to sewerage, water supply, and solid waste management are being implemented, which will significantly help to reduce the spread of waterborne diseases. She added that to ensure environmentally sustainable development, municipal officers (planning) are being appointed as focal persons to oversee compliance with environmental and social guidelines. Furthermore, the recruitment of a Municipal Officer (WATSAN) is planned to support effective execution of sewerage and water supply projects.

MD PMDFC, Syed Zahid Aziz, gave a detailed presentation on the programme. He highlighted that the Punjab Inclusive Cities Programme is playing an important role in realising the chief minister’s vision for urban development. He shared that the establishment of a modern engineered landfill site in Jhang and a material recovery facility are key initiatives under the programme. Additionally, the installation of storm water drains and storage tanks for effective rainwater management are also included.

Imran-ul-Haq, a Senior Social Development Specialist from the World Bank, presented the Bank’s environmental and social procedures and requirements. He emphasised that the Bank would continue to support local governments in improving service delivery. He also highlighted the serious risks posed to groundwater and the environment due to improper disposal of industrial and wastewater.

World Bank officials Suhaib Rasheed, Azharuddin, Sarah Khokhar, and Hafeez Buzdar were also present. The workshop concluded with a Question and Answer session, during which subject experts responded to participants’ queries.