LAHORE: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $200 million loan to assist the Punjab government for developing a sustainable urban infrastructure in Sahiwal and Sialkot through Punjab Intermediate Cities Improvement Investment Programme. Government of Punjab is also providing $ 50 million equivalent as counterpart funds for the programme.
Minister for Local Government & Rural Development, Manshaullah Butt has said that a modern and safe urban Infrastructure is essential for development of Intermediate cities for improving the quality of life of its residents, the programme is expected to benefit millions people in the Sahiwal and Sialkot cities. He said that “The PICIIP will not only provide safer, efficient and sustainable urban Infrastructure through transport, solid waste, waste water and drainage solution to the people in Sahiwal and Sialkot, it will also improve the health conditions of people, strengthened business process, Economic activities and make the city more liveable,” he added.
Minister for Local Government & Rural Development, Manshaullah Butt said that the assistance of ADB is a welcome development for residents of Punjab particularly for Sahiwal and Sialkot. And it will greatly contribute to improving the province’s standard of living. The PICIIP is consistent with the Punjab Chief Minister’s Vision 2020 for the urban sector, to create world class Infrastructure and services, to support Modern urban centres, to strengthen systems of urban governess and to significantly improved urban planning and management frame work in Sahiwal and Sialkot, said Minister Local Government and Community Development Department Manshaullah Butt.
The scope of the project includes installation of centralized sewerage treatment plant (STP), and rehabilitation of disposal station, replacement of sewer pipes, provision of missing equipment for sewage water management and unblocking of local drains, through rehabilitation of parks and green belts, improvements of major streets, footpaths and bus terminals. Instalment of water reservoirs, water pipes, water meters, pressure gauges, boreholes, water transfer station, rehabilitations of tube wells, turbine pumps and motors,
“PICIIP provide investment in urban management and infrastructure, strengthen regulatory framework and municipal governance and efficient financial management for sustainable urban development said Secretary Local Government and Community Development Department Aslam Kamboh. “ADB’s financing will help to enhance professional knowledge in the use of financial, human and natural resources for providing high quality of services at affordable cost he added.
The programme includes various capacity development programmes, which will also be delivered to relevant staff in the government and urban service companies of Sahiwal and Sialkot.
Published in Daily Times, September 20th 2017.