THE new government in Punjab is proving to be a trend-setter as far as developmental activities and resolution of core issues of the people is concerned. Apart from launching a series of other policies, programmes and measures to alleviate the lot of the people and accelerate the pace of socio-economic progress, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has also initiated a highly beneficial “Sarkein Bahaal Punjab Khushhal (Roads Restored Punjab Prosperous)” programme envisaging construction, repair and rehabilitation of 600 roads, five expressways and three motorways in the province.
The emphasis of the Chief Minister on improving mobility is understandable as the PML(N) leadership is known for its passion for creation of a world standard road infrastructure as is confirmed from a network of motorways and highways that has been created during its tenures. Realizing that quality of construction is the key to the success of the programme and its sustainability, the CM has issued instructions for fuller transparency in construction of roads as well as hospitals, sensitizing the authorities concerned that she himself would be personally monitoring all such projects. She is laying special emphasis on the construction and rehabilitation of Lahore’s streets, roads, sanitation and other developments, conveying firmly that she wants to see all streets and bazaars clean and tidy, with sewage issues resolved. It is because of the continued focus of the PML(N) on development of Lahore that the provincial capital is becoming a model of development in the country. However, residents of other major cities like Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala and Gujrat also deserve similar attention because of their dilapidated infrastructure, poor sanitation, water shortage, traffic congestions and lack of quality educational and health facilities.