LAHORE: The Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) has approved projects worth billions to improve municipal services, sewerage systems, and promote religious tourism in Punjab.
In its 19th meeting chaired by Punjab Planning and Development Board Chairman Dr. Naeem Rauf, the PDWP approved the establishment of model villages (Misali Gaon) in Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Lahore, Gujrat, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Sargodha, Bahawalpur, and Sahiwal. The project will cost an estimated Rs71.92 billion.
The working party also cleared four sewerage and stormwater drainage projects for Khanewal, Kamoke, Vehari, and Wazirabad. These schemes, part of the Punjab Development Programme, will cost around Rs22.475 billion.
In addition, a project worth Rs1.5 billion was approved for the conservation and preservation of gurdwaras, churches, and mandirs under a special initiative to promote religious tourism in the province.
The meeting was attended by Planning and Development Board Secretary Rafaqat Ali, Chief Economist Masood Anwar, Local Government Special Secretary Asia Gul, board members, and other senior officials.
Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif had reiterated that the development priorities for the Model Villages Project will be aligned with the needs of the people.
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Presiding over a special meeting, she was briefed on three major initiatives: the Model Villages Project, the Clean Punjab campaign, and the Waste-to-Value programme. She directed authorities to set a firm deadline for the timely execution of the Model Villages initiative.
The meeting reviewed progress on the plan to upgrade 1,200 villages into fully equipped model settlements. Each model village will have a 24/7 water supply, a modern sewage system, and a dedicated waste management facility.
Additional facilities will include paved streets, improved roads, children’s play areas, tree plantation, house numbering, and proper signage. Solar-powered solutions for water supply and sewage systems were also presented, with work already completed in 130 villages during the pilot phase.
CM Maryam emphasized that the scheme will be driven by public priorities, ensuring holistic and sustainable development in every village.
