Punjab Chief Minister Greenlights Major Expansion of Model Village Program
In a significant move to enhance rural infrastructure, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has granted in-principle approval to expand the model village initiative across the province. During a special review meeting chaired by the chief minister, authorities were directed to transform 7,500 villages in Phase II of the project, with a strong emphasis on transparency and accountability.
Strict Deadlines Set for Water and Sanitation Projects
The chief minister has established clear timelines for key components of the initiative. She set June 30 as the deadline for cleaning stagnant wastewater ponds, commonly known as chhappar, in villages to improve sanitation and public health. Additionally, the cluster-based water supply scheme in Rajanpur must be completed by May 15, ensuring timely access to clean water in this region.
Emphasising the urgency of providing safe drinking water, Maryam Nawaz instructed authorities to immediately repair and restore non-functional water filtration plants, with a particular focus on the most polluted and underserved areas. "Negligence in ensuring clean drinking water will not be tolerated. Access to safe water is the fundamental right of every citizen of Punjab," she stated firmly during the meeting.
Operational Enhancements and Infrastructure Development
To support these efforts, the chief minister highlighted the operationalisation of helpline 1336, which is now fully functional for the prompt resolution of faults in water filtration plants. This helpline aims to address public complaints efficiently and ensure continuous service delivery. Furthermore, she directed the early completion of bottling plants in Khushab and Chishtian to bolster water supply capabilities.
Officials briefed the meeting that work on Phase I, covering 485 villages, is progressing swiftly with an estimated cost exceeding Rs59 billion. Each model village in this phase is being equipped with comprehensive infrastructure, including:
- Water supply systems
- Solar-powered tube wells
- Drainage infrastructure
- Cleaning of wastewater ponds
The chief minister also set August 31 as the deadline for the completion of septic tanks, which will function as natural water filtration systems. Following desilting, treated water from these tanks will be reused for irrigation purposes, promoting sustainable water management.
Commitment to Rural Transformation and Equal Rights
Reaffirming her commitment to rural development, Maryam Nawaz declared that the transformation of rural areas into model settlements would be ensured at all costs. "Residents of villages have an equal right to development and essential services," she added, underscoring the government's dedication to bridging urban-rural disparities.
Authorities have been instructed to present clear timelines along with "before and after" comparative videos for each project in Phase II, enhancing oversight and public engagement. This expansion builds on the successes of Phase I and aims to significantly improve living standards across Punjab's rural landscape.
