The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $200 million loan to assist the Punjab government for developing a sustainable urban infrastructure in Sahiwal and Sialkot through Punjab Intermediate Cities Improvement Investment Programme. Government of Punjab is also providing $ 50 million equivalent as counterpart funds for the programme. Minister for Local Government & Rural Development, Manshaullah Butt has said that a modern and safe urban infrastructure is essential for development of intermediate cities for improving the quality of life of its residents, the programme is expected to benefit millions people in the Sahiwal and Sialkot cities. He said that “The Punjab Intermediate Cities Improvement Investment Program (PICIIP) will not only provide safer, efficient and sustainable urban infrastructure through transport, solid waste, waste water and drainage solution to the people in Sahiwal and Sialkot, it will also improve the health conditions of people,” he added. Minister for Local Government & Rural Development, Manshaullah Butt also said that the PICIIP is consistent with the Punjab Chief Ministers Vision 2020 for the urban sector, to create world class infrastructure and services, to strengthen systems of urban governess and to significantly improved urban planning and management frame work in Sahiwal and Sialkot. The scope of the project includes installation of centralized sewerage treatment plant (STP), rehabilitation of disposal station, replacement of sewer pipes, provision of missing equipment for sewage water management and unblocking of local drains, through rehabilitation of parks and green belts. ADB’s financing will help to enhance professional knowledge in the use of financial, human and natural resources for providing high quality of services at affordable cost said Secretary Local Government and Community Development Department Aslam Kamboh. The programme includes various capacity development programmes which will also be delivered to relevant staff in the government and urban service companies of Sahiwal and Sialkot.
