Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated that Rs80 billion has been saved through e-tendering in the Punjab Development Programme. Chairing a video-link meeting, she emphasized that 100% transparency and quality are the hallmarks of her governance model. She stressed that public funds must be protected and spent judiciously.
Deadline for Sewerage and Drainage Projects
The chief minister set June 30 as the deadline for the completion of all sewerage and drainage projects. She noted that roads, streets, and neighbourhoods cannot be left dug up, as such negligence causes serious inconvenience to the public. A province-wide ban has been imposed on leaving excavation work incomplete or roads open after digging.
Safety Measures and Manhole Covering
Maryam Nawaz ordered that all manholes be covered with meshes at the earliest. She agreed to engage traders and civil society in the safety initiative. It was reported that desilting and water recharge systems have been incorporated into underground storage tanks. Geo-tagging of 838,555 manholes across the province has been completed, while installation of protective nets is underway. Over 3,000 manholes have been fitted with nets and meshes.
Desilting and Equipment Deployment
Desilting of drainage channels and sewerage lines has been carried out in 41 cities, removing 550 tonnes of silt and sludge. Officials said 91 jetting and suction machines, 77 desilting sets, and 100 dewatering sets are being deployed across the province.
Progress on Development Programme Phases
Work on Phase I and II of the development programme is progressing at a fast pace with an estimated cost of Rs204 billion. In Sargodha, Dera Ghazi Khan, Gujrat, Okara, Jhang, Multan, and Sialkot, over 57% of work under Phase I has been completed. In Jhelum, Hafizabad, Sahiwal, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Nankana, and Rawalpindi, the same percentage of Phase II has also been completed.
