GUJRAT: The Punjab government has approved a grant of Rs7 million for rehabilitation of the Nawaz Sharif Park.

Established near the General Bus Stand in 1998, the park has been in a dilapidated condition due to choked drainage system, broken infrastructure and other problems for quite some time. The Tehsil Municipal Administration has failed to maintain it.

The jogging track, footpaths, toilets and other facilities are in a pathetic condition. Absence of drainage system results in accumulation of sewage of residential localities in the lawns.

The Gujrat TMA had sought Rs7 million for the rehabilitation of the park a few months ago and the amount has been approved and funds released to the department concerned. The tender notice to award the contract has been advertised in newspapers.

TMA Administrator Farooq Rasheed told Dawn that the main aim of spending these funds was to get rid of the choked drainage system of the park. Other repair work also would be done.

The city has two other small parks which are meant for women and children. Both these parks also present a picture of neglect, with rundown infrastructure and unkempt bushes.

It is learnt that a grant of around Rs1 million has been allocated for the maintenance and repair work in the two parks.

People have urged the Punjab government as well as the local authorities to introduce a proper mechanism for the functioning of these public facilities.