LAHORE: In a bid to provide different services to the public at large promptly, control corruption and save people’s valuable time and energy, the government has directed the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to launch an online system at its one-window cell from the next month.

For the purpose, the LDA has been asked to prepare and launch an application (app) for submission of online requests by public for various works related to the authority.

“The LDA’s one-window cell’s team as been asked to start online submission of applications facility for the people from the next month. The initiative will help the citizens to avail LDA services at their doorstep,” Lahore Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa, who also holds charge of the LDA director general, said while presiding over a meeting here on Sunday.

“The LDA’s IT wing is required to prepare a mobile application in this regard at the earliest,” he said.

The meeting participants were told by the officers concerned that a number of people visited LDA’s one-window cell daily for just submission of applications for various purposes like getting NOCs, completion certificates, building plans and removal of encroachments etc.

The officers said this not only wasted precious time, energy and money of the people, but also encourages corruption in various LDA departments. They were of the view that a mobile application might help resolve such issues.

While discussing various issues, the commissioner directed the officers concerned to appoint permanent focal persons to resolve the issues related to the Housing Directorate at the one-window cell.

He directed the officers to make the process of identification easier by using E-Khidmat app and other IT services more efficiently with the support of the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB).

“The one-window cell staff should realise the importance of the people’s time and no one should visit [the LDA offices] unnecessarily,” Mr Randhawa said, adding that the officers must work with an intention to provide best services to the public at large since the LDA was a service delivery authority.

CLEANLINESS: To ensure swift cleanliness services in the city, the Lahore Waste Management Company has launched a special cleanliness drive in various public spaces, including the free flour distribution centres, Ramazan bazaars etc.

Officials say that under a ‘Ramazan Plan’, the LWMC has made special cleanliness arrangements at 40 truck points set for the free flour distribution. These points are being cleaned through manual sweeping and sprinkling of water.

In addition, according to a spokesman, the LWMC is ensuring cleanliness arrangements at more than 56 dastar khuwans (free food outlets) across the city. “The company also conducted cleanliness activities at all model and Ramazan bazaars on Sunday,” the spokesman said, adding that all the staff and machinery were being mobilised to provide best sanitation services to the people.

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2023