Lahore: A high-level delegation from the World Bank visited the Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (PMDFC) to discuss the proposed Punjab Inclusive Cities Program (PICP). The Managing Director PMDFC Syed Zahid Aziz, warmly welcomed the delegation and provided a detailed briefing on the objectives and scope of the program.
The World Bank delegation, which included Amna Raja, Carlo Alberto, Sohaib Rashid, Sara Khokhar, Imran Ul Haque, Nida Asif, Azharuddin, Syed Ibrahim Ali Shah, and Syed Farrukh Ansar engaged in detailed discussions on environmental initiatives, criteria for city selection, and program design.
Syed Zahid Aziz explained that the Punjab Inclusive Cities Program will have an estimated cost of $400 million and aim to enhance municipal services across 20 cities in Punjab. He elaborated that the program will include the development of a comprehensive sewerage network and wastewater treatment plants, addressing urban drainage issues. Additionally, a modern water supply network will be established to ensure the provision of clean drinking water to residents. Measures for rainwater drainage (Urban Flooding), and water conservation, will also be part of the program. Furthermore, advanced technology will be employed to reduce solid waste through material recovery and engineered landfill sites.
Syed Zahid Aziz emphasized that the program will also focus on ensuring the financial sustainability of local governments by introducing revenue enhancement measures. The World Bank delegation appreciated the importance of the program and assured their full support. This initiative is expected to set a new benchmark for sustainable development and urban prosperity in Punjab. Officers of the Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (PMDFC), including Mahmood Masood Tamana, GM ID; Adnan Nisar, GM Engineering; Zohaib Butt, SPO Procurement; Moeenuddin Sheikh, PPP Expert; Nauman Akhtar, SPO FM; Moazzam Jamil, SPO ID; Tehmina Kiran, PO Environment; and Syed Amir Shah, Manager GIS, also attended the meeting. After the meeting, a commemorative souvenir was presented to Carlo Alberto, World Bank Water Expert.
