Lahore (Pakistan News): Maryam Nawaz has granted in-principle approval for the second phase of the Model Village Project, opening new avenues of development in rural areas.
During a meeting held in Lahore under her chairmanship, a detailed review of ongoing initiatives aimed at improving rural areas of Punjab was conducted. Officials informed that an additional 7,500 villages will be included in the second phase, while work on 485 villages in the first phase is progressing rapidly.
According to authorities, the project includes measures such as provision of clean water, installation of solar-powered tube wells, improvement of drainage systems, and cleaning of wastewater ponds in villages.
The meeting directed that the cleaning of wastewater ponds be completed by June 30, while a target of August 31 has been set for the construction of septic tanks, with treated water to be used for irrigation purposes.
It was further shared that the first phase of the project will cost over Rs59 billion. To ensure effective oversight, a digital monitoring system will be introduced, and before-and-after conditions of each village will be recorded through videos.
The meeting also emphasized immediate repair of faulty water filtration plants and ensuring the supply of clean water on a priority basis in affected areas. A helpline (1336) has also been established to address public complaints.
Additionally, while reviewing progress on projects in Khushab, Chishtian, and Rajanpur, concerned officials were directed to complete all schemes within the stipulated timeframe.