RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government has decided to transform 2,400 villages into modern model villages under a new “Model Village Project” to improve life in rural areas.
According to the report, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved the project. Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafique has been given the responsibility to supervise and implement it.
According to sources, the Punjab government will fund the development of 800 villages, including those in Lahore. For the remaining 1,600 villages, financial help will be taken from the World Bank. Special funds for this project will be added to the next financial year’s budget.
What Will the Model Villages Have?
Sources say the model villages will include paved streets, better sanitation systems, clean drinking water through supply lines, streetlights, and other basic municipal services – all built to international standards.
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Officials said the project will be completed in phases. The aim is to modernize more than 60% of villages in Punjab. This plan will not only improve the standard of living in rural areas but also help in boosting local economy, health, cleanliness, and infrastructure.
In another development, the provincial government has also decided to build a baseball stadium and a volleyball complex in Lahore.
Sources said that the Punjab Sports Board has suggested Rs100 million (10 crore) in the upcoming budget for each of the two projects. The total cost of construction for each facility is estimated at Rs400 million (40 crore).
After the approval of funds, both projects are expected to be completed by 2028.
