Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said on Tuesday the government has adopted a comprehensive strategy for providing better transport facilities to masses and in addition to import of CNG buses, local buses would also be used for this purpose. He also ordered launching of school bus service for the students of backward areas.
He directed that encroachments be removed immediately from all areas of the province while effective measures should be taken for beautification of Lahore. The Chief Minister while addressing a high-level meeting held to review various projects regarding provision of better transport facilities to masses, removal of encroachments as well as transformation of Lahore into the City of Gardens.
He said that best operators would be selected for improving as well as running public transport system so that modern transport facilities could be extended to masses. He directed to expedite import of CNG buses from China and said that standard and durability of the buses should be checked prior to their import.
The CM told that 25 percent subsidy would be given by the government on the import of CNG buses as it would help check environmental pollution in addition. He said that order for the purchase of 400 to 500 local buses would be placed till the import of CNG buses from China so as to solve transport problem of the citizens.
He said that these buses should be acquired as early as possible and plied on the roads and well-reputed companies be engaged in this project. He said that advertisement should also be given in the print media for this purpose. He said that arrangements would be made for the provision of loans to public transport firms at the prevailing rate.
He also directed to start school bus service immediately and said that this project would be started initially in five major cities of the province while later its scope would be extended throughout the province. He said that basic purpose of the project is to provide better transport facilities to the students of backward areas.
The Chief Minister said that the main responsibility of Punjab Horticulture Authority is beautification of the city rather than to mar it through installation of billboards. He said that PHA will now resume the project of transformation of Lahore into the "City of Gardens" and trees would be planted at all public places, offices as well as highways. He also issued orders for improving performance of PHA. He directed DG LDA to remove illegal plazas and encroachments immediately and a transparent policy should be adopted in this regard. He said that it also be ensured that trees do not fall dropped during construction of buildings.
He said that a lenient view should be taken about vendors during removal of illegal encroachments. He also directed to conduct audit of PHA. He also issued instructions regarding expressways as well as other projects.