Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif presided over a meeting here on Friday which reviewed infrastructure development projects especially Southern Ring Road project and conversion of streetlights to solar energy under a phased programme. The meeting gave approval in principle to converting streetlights to solar power in phases.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that modern and quality infrastructure was essential for speedy development therefore Punjab government was spending billions of rupees on the projects for development of infrastructure in the province. He said speedy and transparent completion of development projects was the policy of Punjab government. He said that means of communication were being improved throughout the province under a solid strategy as it was necessary for accelerating economic, trade and social activities. He said infrastructure development projects had been executed throughout the province speedily and due to timely and quality completion of mega projects of infrastructure development a new era of progress had started in the province.
The CM said Lahore Ring Road Southern Loop project was of vital importance and there was a need for execution of that project speedily, adding construction of Northern Loop of Lahore Ring Road had resulted in better transport facilities to the citizens.
He said maintenance of a high standard, transparency and speedy execution of development projects was the hallmark of Punjab government and no compromise would be made on the construction of Southern Loop of Lahore Ring Road as well. He said horticulture had been promoted in development projects for their beautification. Director General LDA Ahad Cheema while giving a briefing on streetlights programme in the provincial metropolis informed that a project had been evolved for setting up a separate solar park near Manga Mandi for the streetlights in Lahore. He said the project would generate 20 megawatts energy. Chairman Panning & Development, Secretary Finance, Commissioner Lahore Division and concerned officers attended the meeting.