Bahawalpur: Commissioner Bahawalpur Division Irfan Ali Kathia chaired a review meeting on own-source revenue and development schemes across the division, where officials briefed him on available funds, proposed schemes and their implementation in Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan districts.
The meeting was informed that a total of Rs2. 41 billion in funds was available across the division, while 11 major development schemes costing Rs1. 973 billion had been proposed. All districts concerned were directed to accelerate work on the schemes and complete them within the stipulated four-month period.
According to the briefing, Rs1. 141 billion was available in Rahim Yar Khan district, out of which seven development schemes costing Rs1. 072 billion were being launched. Four of these schemes would be financed through Sugar Cane Cess funds, while the remaining three would be completed through District Council funds.
The meeting was further informed that the District Council in Bahawalnagar had Rs600 million available for three major development schemes. These included a project costing around Rs400 million for widening and rehabilitation of roads in the eastern and western parts of Chishtian city, as well as the installation of tuff tiles in various wards.
In Bahawalpur, Rs300 million from District Council funds would be utilized for rehabilitation of 1. 2-kilometre metalled road from Library Chowk to Khatm-e-Nabuwwat Chowk. The meeting was informed that all development schemes had been selected on the basis of merit, public needs and local priorities. Their completion would improve inter-city connectivity, traffic flow, travelling facilities and public access to key institutions, while also strengthening public safety and the effectiveness of emergency services.
Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathia directed the authorities to ensure transparent and efficient utilization of funds allocated for development schemes and complete all projects within the stipulated four-month period. He also ordered regular monitoring of ongoing projects and stressed that no compromise would be made on construction quality. The commissioner said providing immediate and quality relief to the public was among the administration’s top priorities. Timely completion of development projects would ensure better travelling facilities, safer routes and improved basic civic amenities for people, he added.
