*On-ground monitoring of Punjab Development and Model Village projects continues*

Secretary Local Government Punjab Zaid Bin Maqsood visited Kasur district on Tuesday to review the progress of ongoing projects under the Punjab Development Programme and Model Village Programme.He was accompanied by Special Secretary Shahid Zaman Lak and Deputy Commissioner Kasur Asif Raza.During the visit, the secretary inspected development sites in Phool Nagar, Pattoki and Baloki Chak-30 and reviewed the pace and quality of work. He also received briefings from the concerned officers on the physical progress of the projects and issues being faced in the field.The secretary was informed that development projects worth Rs4.7 billion were under way in Phool Nagar, while projects worth Rs6.9bn were in progress in Pattoki. The projects included works aimed at improving urban drainage and basic municipal infrastructure. He was also briefed on the resources available and measures being taken to complete the projects within the stipulated timelines.At Baloki Chak-30, Mr Maqsood reviewed development works being carried out under the Model Village Programme. He was informed that the project had achieved 75 per cent physical progress. The Model Village package, covering five villages, has a total cost of Rs546.9 million.The secretary also met residents of Baloki Chak-30 and sought their feedback on the ongoing development works, availability of basic facilities and needs of the local community.Later, Mr Maqsood visited a temporary plant producing sewerage pipes for the development projects and reviewed the manufacturing and supply process. He directed the authorities to complete additional drains, sewers and footpaths on time after completion of the disposal stations so that the benefits of the projects could fully reach the residents.He directed that progress on all Punjab Development Programme projects be monitored on a daily basis and the pace of work maintained in the field. He said unnecessary delays in completion of development projects would not be tolerated and directed the authorities to ensure that the schemes were completed within the timelines set by the Punjab government.Mr Maqsood said the Model Village Programme, being implemented under the vision of Chief Minister Punjab, was an important initiative aimed at providing basic facilities to rural communities, improving infrastructure and narrowing the quality-of-life gap between urban and rural areas.He directed the authorities to ensure quality, timely execution and sustainability of all development works so that people could benefit from improved facilities on a long-term basis.