by Mian Abrar 

 

ISLAMABAD, Jan. 21 (Gwadar Pro) - Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday said the construction of roads under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), especially the western route, is an important development and expressed hope that it will usher in a new era of development in the province.

 

The prime minister, in a meeting with Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, assured to improve and modernise the road infrastructure across Balochistan to ensure the development and prosperity of the province.

 

The meeting also discussed issues related to making Karachi-Quetta Regional Cooperation for Development Highway (RCD Highway) dual track.

 

The Prime Minister expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Sadiq Sanjrani's brother Salaar Sanjarani and offered special prayers for the departed soul.

 

Separately, chairing a review meeting regarding formation of a coordinated strategy to improve the irrigation system of the country on Thursday, the prime minister said that timely completion of water reservoirs and cultivation of agricultural land is imperative for ensuring food security. The prime minister directed the authorities concerned to complete all ongoing projects of water reservoirs on time.

 

The meeting was informed about different projects pertaining to a sustainable system for fair distribution of water among provinces, water situation in canal systems and methods for making barren land cultivable. The meeting was informed that the government, in line with the prime minister's vision of prioritizing food security, is ensuring implementation of the Agricultural Transformation Plan.

 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the Ravi Urban Development and Central Business District projects would substantially reduce pollution levels for featuring green spaces, waste management, clean energy sources and eco-friendly international best practices.

 

The prime minister, chairing a meeting to review progress on the said projects, emphasised that the said projects are of vital importance for the country and particularly Lahore. He said the government has no self-interest rather it is working for the welfare of citizens of Lahore.

 

The prime minister said that the incumbent government has revitalised dead capital to earn revenues and has initiated landmark construction projects that no previous government planned during the last two decades. He directed that disciplinary action would be taken against officials who do not adhere to timelines that cause delay in projects’ implementation. He also directed the Punjab government to actively pursue legal cases pending against these projects.

 

Earlier, the meeting was briefed that green spaces have been reserved in all projects and clean technologies would be used to ensure eco-friendly construction. It was apprised that seven international groups have participated in establishment of a waste treatment plant in Ravi Urban Development project and agreements had been reached with international organizations including UN-HABITAT to comply with international green standards.

 

The meeting was also updated regarding components of RUDA projects to be considered for inclusion in CPEC projects. It was informed that the 1,500 kanals Chaharbagh Residential project has been launched with 3,000 apartments and 1000 low cost apartments for which 17,500 applications had been received and balloting would be held next month.

 

Regarding CBD, it was apprised that Rs15 billion revenue is expected from sale of seven mixed used plots. It was informed that leveling and excavation work had started in Walton.

 

The meeting was attended by Chairman of Naya Pakistan Housing and Development Authority Lt. Gen. (R) Anwar Ali Haider and senior officials. Punjab Housing Minister Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed, Advisor to CM Punjab Dr. Salman Shah, Chief Secretary of Punjab and senior provincial government officials joined via video link.

 

This article originally appeared on Gwadar Pro.