| Lahore: The Punjab government dissolved the PKR 137 billion Lahore Restoration PMU, transferring 770 development schemes to WASA and MCL, as reported on September 16.
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As per details, these agencies will now oversee the critical infrastructure upgrades across Lahore. According to officials, an allocation of PKR 35 billion has been approved for these development schemes, which aim to revamp the city’s roads, improve the sewage system, upgrade water supply lines, install new tube wells, and enhance neighborhood infrastructure. During a recent briefing to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif by WASA and MCL, officials detailed the dire state of Lahore’s infrastructure, highlighting issues such as broken roads, malfunctioning streetlights, and outdated sewage and water supply systems.
As a result, the provincial government has greenlit development projects totaling PKR 137 billion. Of this, PKR 59 billion has been earmarked for the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore, while PKR 78 billion has been assigned to WASA for improving the city’s water and sanitation services. WASA will extend sewage and water supply lines beyond its traditional jurisdiction to mitigate persistent complaints of waterlogging in various neighborhoods, particularly during the rainy season. This is a critical component of the 770 development schemes that aim to modernize Lahore’s infrastructure.
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Initially, the Punjab government planned to manage these schemes under the PMU. However, following a review, the decision has been reversed, with WASA and MCL now taking charge. Sources suggest that an official announcement detailing the roles of these organizations in the development work will be made soon.
WASA and MCL will manage their respective projects and take full responsibility for their execution. Additionally, a third-party audit will be conducted to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the implementation process.
This strategic shift aims to expedite Lahore’s infrastructure development and ensure a more efficient and accountable management system for the city’s restoration. |
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