Lahore: The Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) has approved several development schemes worth PKR 8.19 billion – a news source reported.
PDWP sanctioned the schemes during its 12th meeting, which was presided over by P&D Board Chairman Habib-ur-Rehman Gillani. P&D Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, along with other concerned officials, also attended the meeting.
Rehabilitation work will be carried out on at least 662 dysfunctional rural water supply schemes. The initiative aims to provide access to clean drinking water to households.
On Monday, PDWP approved an environmental initiative at a cost of PKR 32.4 billion. Under the Green Pakistan Programme, the officials concerned will ensure reclamation and development of forest areas in Punjab.
Moreover, the provincial government is working on developing a water authority. The Punjab Aab-e-Pak Authority will manage all potable water-related issues.
Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar said that unsafe drinking water leads to about 1.1 million deaths annually. He added that at least 20% of the Punjabi population is suffering from water-borne diseases.
