ADB to shift 5,000 schools in Punjab to solar system

Country Director Asian Development Bank Werner E. Liepach called on Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, here Wednesday. Matters relating to irrigation, infrastructure, energy, and improvement of civic amenities, steps for protection from flood, water management and enhancing cooperation in other sectors were discussed. The Asian Development Bank showed interest in the financing of Blue or Purple Line in Lahore.
Speaking on the occasion, Shahbaz Sharif said that Asian Development Bank is a big partner of Pakistan and the projects in various sectors are being implemented successfully with its cooperation. Shahbaz Sharif welcome the decision of Asian Development Bank for shifting 5000 schools to solar in Punjab whereas Punjab government is also shifting 5000 schools on solar from its own resources. In this way, a total of ten thousand schools will be shifted to the solar in the province.
The Chief Minister lauded the role of Asian Development Bank for improving civic amenities. He said that the programme launched for this purpose is being implemented successfully. He said that Punjab government is pursuing a comprehensive programme of providing quality, durable, economical and safe travelling facilities to the people. He said that after Lahore, people are benefiting daily from metro bus projects in Rawalpindi-Islamabad whereas work on metro bus project is in progress speedily in Multan. Similarly, Lahore Orange Line Metro Train Project is also being completed speedily with the cooperation of China.
The Chief Minister welcomed the interest shown by Asian Development Bank in the financing of Blue Line or Purple Line and said that Punjab government is working on the feasibility of Blue Line and Purple Line which will be completed next month. He said that skilled manpower plays an important role in strengthening national economy. That is why, Punjab government is paying special attention to the skill development, he added. Shahbaz Sharif said that skill development programme is continuing successfully for preparing skilled manpower according to market needs. However, the programme of empowering the youth has to be further expanded and the cooperation of Asian Development Bank will be welcomed in this regard. He stressed the need for paying special attention to Smart Irrigation due to climatic changes, through which losses of flood can be minimised. He directed that a framework should be prepared and added that Asian Development Bank should extend further cooperation in this regard.
The Chief Minister said that collaboration with Asian Development Bank will continue in irrigation, water management and other sectors besides taking steps for protection against flood. Country Director Asian Development Bank Werner E. Liepach informed about the progress with regard to implementation of various ongoing programmes with Punjab government and said that the Bank will convert five thousand schools on solar in Punjab whereas collaboration will be further enhanced with Punjab government in future as well. He said that Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif is forwarding projects speedily and transparently which is commendable.