LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said that over 16,000 streets in Lahore are being upgraded and beautified.

The CM was reviewing progress on the Punjab and Lahore development plans here on Monday.

The meeting was informed that work on critical, most-critical and non-critical components was progressing rapidly.

Some 40 per cent of the most-critical work had been completed in 51 cities. “The first phase of the Lahore Development Plan has been completed, while 76pc work on Phase-II is complete,” the meeting was told.

CM directs DCs to monitor clean water supply and Model Village Programme

The chief minister directed that the plan for Phase III be presented, adding that Phase II would be completed by the end of June.

Under the Punjab Development Plan, drainage work for rainwater had reached an average of 40pc completion in 51 cities.

In Kamalia, 70pc of storm water drainage work has been completed, while Gojra stands at 65pc. In Toba Tek Singh and Chichawatni, 55pc of critical work has been completed, while Joharabad and Jalalpur Jattan have achieved 44pc completion in drainage schemes.

The work has begun on the provision of machinery worth Rs6.6 billion, including 46 suction machines, 45 jetting machines, 100 dewatering sets and 77 desilting machines. The machinery will be supplied to 52 cities by the end of June.

The CM directed the authorities to ensure foolproof arrangements ahead of the early monsoon season, warning that no negligence would be tolerated.

She stressed the need to complete preparations in advance and ensure implementation of safety protocols.

Reviewing the Lahore Development Plan, the chief minister was informed that targets set within timelines had largely been achieved, with remaining work continuing. Weekly progress reports were presented during the meeting.

Under Phase-I, additional streets will be upgraded, including sewerage work and installation of tuff tiles and coloured tiles. She reviewed pictorial evidence of upgraded streets and expressed satisfaction.

She remarked on the previously poor condition of many streets, saying that they resembled “filthy cattle sheds,” as residents, had long suffered due to stagnant water, foul smell and lack of access.

The briefing noted that 85pc of the Ichhra Bazaar upgradation project had been completed and would be finalised within the current month.

She directed all deputy commissioners to identify development gaps in their districts and prepare comprehensive plans for the next fiscal year, including hiring consultants where necessary.

The chief minister also ordered immediate repair and upgradation of service roads across the province, directing deputy commissioners to personally monitor clean water supply, beautification drives and the Model Village Programme.

zhe instructed that roads dug up for development work must be restored without delay, stating that inconvenience to the public was unacceptable and incomplete projects would not be tolerated.

The Lahore Development Authority was directed to eliminate potholes and lay fresh asphalt layers.

The chief minister also ordered end-to-end upgradation of both service lanes along Ferozepur Road in Lahore.

Issuing an alert ahead of the monsoon, she directed deputy commissioners to ensure 100pc readiness. She further instructed that arrangements for the upcoming Eidul Azha sanitation operation must surpass last year’s performance, warning that no negligence or excuses would be accepted.

The chief minister also ordered immediate clearance of plastic bags from roads after storms and strong winds, stressing that offices and roads must be kept “spick and span” and that officers must remain visible in the field.

Published in Dawn, May 5th, 2026