LGCD minister reviews MCL performance, directs measures to eliminate encroachments

Lahore: Punjab Minister for Local Government and Community Development (LGCD) Zeeshan Rafique on Sunday visited the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL) and reviewed the urban facilities being provided to the citizens. The minister also chaired a meeting at Town Hall, MCL and oversaw the department’s achievements and targets. He specially assessed the department’s performance, directing vigorous measures for elimination of enchantments from the city roads. The LGCD minister stressed the need for usage of advance and latest equipments to tackle and eradicate issues of sewerage, saying that survey of manholes in streets and colonies should be conducted regularly. He mentioned that the scope of ‘Saaf Suthra Punjab’ programme under the leadership of Chief Minister was being gradually extended. Attention is also being given to ending wall-chalking during cleanliness campaigns. The LG ministers directed that areas commonly overlooked during cleanliness campaigns were a primary target. He expressed a
strong commitment to addressing sewage issues, utilizing all possible means for resolution. Zeeshan Rafique emphasized the significant role of urban residents in cleanliness campaigns, citing increased awareness among the public. He stressed the need for organized awareness campaigns on media and social platforms. He called for a sustained and systematic survey of alleyways for the removal of wall chalking, aligning with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s directive. He emphasized prompt action on sealing open manholes and addressing complaints regarding salaries in some municipal offices. Ensuring uninterrupted salary payments to employees, Rafique directed the active involvement of relevant municipal branches in curbing encroachments. Highlighting preparations for the coming Eid rush, the minister urged the provision of necessary facilities at bus stops before Eid. He announced the expeditious posting of personnel in vacant positions across municipal service sectors. He cautioned strict actions
against complaints related to parking stands in major cities. He commended the efforts to revive the historic Shah Ghaus Mahmood Library at Dehli Gate under the MCL’s jurisdiction. MCL Administrator and Deputy Commissioner Rafia Haider briefed the meeting that recently 91 municipal schemes had been completed, with 65 nearing completion. MCL’s focus was on streetlights and water filtration plants, she added.