LAHORE: The Khadam-i-Punjab Daihi (rural) Roads Programme was formally launched in every district of the province on Sunday.

In the first phase of the project, one rural road has been selected for repairs and reconstruction in each district.

Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif launched the project in Kasur, while at other places the districts coordination officers (DCOs) performed the task. The concerned members of national and provincial assemblies were directed to join the opening ceremonies in the districts.

Under the project, all rural roads will be repaired and reconstructed in a phased manner during the next three years at a cost of Rs150 billion.

The chief minister opened repair and reconstruction work on eight-kilometre long Ladheke Bhullar-Pando Road in Suey Aasal area, terming it the largest road development work in the country’s history.

All rural roads in Punjab will be rebuilt during the next three years at a cost of Rs150 billion

Talking to the media after the ceremony, he said Rs15 billion had been allocated in the current year for the repair and construction of 2,000 km long roads in the rural areas of the province.

He said under the programme the width of carpeted roads would be increased from 10 feet to 12 and after including shoulders their total width would be 24 feet.

Shahbaz Sharif hoped the project would strengthen the rural economy and directly benefit farmers and other dwellers of villages, besides creating thousands of jobs.

He said a high standard of work would be ensured in the project’s execution and third-party audit would be compulsory before making payments to the contractors.

He said the contractors had been selected transparently and their labour would be given cash prizes and commendatory certificates on successful completion of work.

Similarly, he said, 10 best engineers would also be extended given cash prizes and commendatory certificates.

However, he warned, anyone found involved in malpractice would be strictly punished.

He said that he would personally monitor the programme and pay surprise visits to inspect the work quality.

Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2015

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