A World Bank Technical Mission visited the Head Office of the Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (PMDFC) in Lahore. The delegation included World Bank Task Team Leader and Senior Urban Specialist Suhaib Rasheed and Water Specialist Carlo Alberto.Managing Director PMDFC Syed Zahid Aziz, along with his team, briefed the delegation on the progress of the Punjab Inclusive Cities Program, proposed projects and the way forward.During the meeting, participants reviewed progress on the recruitment of consultants and ongoing procurement activities under the Program. Detailed discussions were also held on the timely achievement of the Program’s objectives through effective coordination among WASAs, the Local Government Department and other relevant provincial institutions. The Program’s financial management, effective utilization of funds and transparent implementation of projects were also discussed.SPO Environment Rukhsana Shahid, along with her team, held detailed discussions on the environmental and social aspects of various projects being implemented under the Program. It was highlighted that, in accordance with the World Bank’s requirements, full compliance with the applicable environmental and social guidelines is being ensured at every stage of the Program.Managing Director PMDFC Syed Zahid Aziz said that the Punjab Inclusive Cities Program is an important initiative of the Government of Punjab aimed at improving urban services across the province. Under the US$400 million Program, water supply, sewerage and drainage projects will be implemented in 16 cities of Punjab, providing residents with improved, reliable and sustainable municipal services.He said that the Program’s objectives would be successfully achieved through strong coordination among the relevant provincial departments. Financial discipline, transparency and effective utilization of funds would be ensured at every level.Syed Zahid Aziz further stated that PMDFC, in collaboration with the World Bank and relevant provincial institutions, is committed to ensuring the effective and timely implementation of the Program.Deputy Program Director Adnan Nisar Khan, SPO-ID Mahmood Masood Tamana, SPO Moazzam Jamil, SPO Environment Rukhsana Shahid, Ammar Anwar and other officers were also present on the occasion.
