RAWALPINDI: A decision has been taken to implement the 18-point welfare agenda that seeks to provide better civic facilities to people in Rawalpindi district.

The agenda was put forward by the Punjab chief secretary. Proper disposal of solid waste, rehabilitation of greenbelts, necessary facilities at bus stands, cleaning of health centres, water sewerage tanks, activation of street lines, elimination of encroachments, rehabilitation of playgrounds, zebra crossings outside schools were the main focus of the agenda.

The decision to enforce the agenda was taken during a meeting held in the commissioner’s office with Commissioner Noorul Amin Mengal in the chair.

The meeting is held twice a week to review the performance of all departments.

Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) officials said covers of 200 manholes were installed, adding that there are about 8,000 manholes in the district.

Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) officials said 32,854 streetlights had been activated while 4,000 were still remaining. About necessary facilities in bus stations, members of the meeting were informed that the bus stand in Pirwadhai will be developed into a model bus terminal where waiting rooms will be refurbished.

Steps are also being taken to eliminate wall chalking. Drainage, rehabilitation of green belts, sanitation of health centres, chlorination of water tanks, action against smoke emitting vehicles, protection of billboards and repair of rural roads are also included in the agenda.

Commissioner Mengal said these measures would be beneficial if only standard work was done, adding civic bodies have been asked to make sure that there is quality in the work that they do so people are happy.

Published in Dawn, February 16th, 2022