The Punjab government has given approval to conduct a third-party audit of the rural water supply schemes and a conditional approval to restore closed water supply schemes in barani and water-logged areas. The decision was taken during a meeting held here on Friday to review the progress on the Saaf Pani project. Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif chaired the meeting.
Shahbaz said the project was being launched with billions of rupees for the provision of potable water to the province and also said under this project the year 2017 had been fixed as the target of provision of clean water to the majority of the population of Punjab.
"Initially 307 water filtration plants will be set up in Lahore, Kasur, Okara and Bahawalpur, and its scope would be expanded to the whole province under a phased programme," he added. He said the Saaf Pani project is of paramount importance and directly linked to public health. He then gave approval to a third-party audit of rural water supply schemes and told participants to have the audit completed on war-footing basis.
He said the third-party audit should be carried out before starting rehabilitation programme of water supply schemes in barani and the water-logged areas and a report should be presented. "Community organisations should be made vibrant and active in connection with rural water supply scheme and their positive role should be ensured," he added.
Secretary Local Government, Secretary Housing and Chief Executive Officer of Saaf Pani Company gave briefings regarding water filtration plants project, rural water supply schemes and Saaf Pani project respectively. Provincial Minister Housing Tanvir Aslam Malik, Chairperson Saaf Pani Company Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha MPA, Chairman Planning and Development and concerned secretaries were also present on the occasion.