In a landmark move to transform urban living conditions across Punjab, the provincial government has greenlit development projects for 66 cities, beginning with the new financial year. The initiative falls under the Chief Minister’s Cities Development Programme, aimed at uplifting basic urban infrastructure and quality of life for millions of residents.
Zeeshan Rafiq Shares Vision for Urban Transformation
Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq, while chairing a video link meeting at the Civil Secretariat on Thursday, provided details of the ambitious plan. He instructed all deputy commissioners to adopt the successful Lahore Development Programme model as a blueprint for this large-scale urban upgrade.
“No extra staff will be hired,” he clarified. “Only technical experts will be brought in when absolutely necessary. We want to make the most of our existing human resources while ensuring high standards.”
What’s Included in the Development Programme?
This comprehensive development scheme, spearheaded by the Local Government Department in partnership with Public Health Engineering, includes:
• Paving and repairing all dirt roads in the cities
• Construction and repair of connection roads for better mobility
• Installation of comprehensive sewage systems, tailored for future needs up to 2050
Read more: Rs 25 billion spent on development projects in Islamabad during current fiscal year
• Solar-powered waste disposal stations to support eco-friendly waste management
• Effective rainwater drainage systems and water storage tanks
• Renovation of parks and recreational spaces to restore community hubs
Copies of PC-1 (Project Cycle 1) documentation have already been distributed to municipal bodies, and the tendering process is scheduled to start in July.
More Cities to Follow
This is only the first phase. The government has plans to include 110 more cities in the next round of the programme. This will eventually extend the benefits of this urban transformation to nearly every corner of the province.
Transparency and Timeliness Are Key
Minister Rafiq stressed the dire need for transparency, accountability, and timely completion of all projects. “For the first time in Punjab’s history, cities will get end-to-end solutions for sanitation and urban development,” he claimed.
This initiative reflects the government’s broader dedication to building modern, clean, and livable cities for current and future generations. It’s a bold step toward bridging the urban-rural divide and improving the day-to-day lives of citizens all over Punjab.