LAHORE    -   Punjab government has decided to construct eight LAHOREunderground rainwater reservoirs in Lahore to drain water from roads during rains.

The government also approved construction of Agriculture Marketing Complex at Lakho Dair under the Agricultural Markets Establishment Programme in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Additionally, the funding required for the completion of ongoing schemes for provision of sports facilities in different districts will be ensured on a priority basis.

These decisions were made in the 51st meeting of the Cabinet Standing Committee on Finance and Development held at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Thursday with Minister for Finance Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakht in the chair.

The Minister instructed the Sports Department to ensure access of common man to the sports complex and other sports facilities.  The purpose of setting up a sports complex should not be the provision of entertainment opportunities to the elite class but to bring forward capable athletes. He observed that the architecture of educational institutions, especially universities also impact the students’ health.

Thus, the Communication and Work Department should also focus on adapting to the modern requirements of the architecture while constructing government buildings.

The meeting reviewed more than 19 recommendations from various departments. The meeting approved reduction in different TEVTA course under Covid-19 programme.

Further, it also approved the setting up of a dispensary in a building at Chak 542 GB in Tandlianwala Tehsil, Faisalabad, the inclusion of the additional funding for THQ Hospital in the annual development programme of the year and to expand the scope of the immunization programme.  The meeting also approved lifting of ban on recruitment to administrative seats in the Danish School on the proposal of the School Education Department. The funds were approved for repair of water supply system in Fort Monroe and a rainwater drainage plan.

The meeting also approved supplementary grants for women Ombudsman for the awareness campaign on harassment of women in South Punjab.  The meeting also approved in principle the increase in investment by the parties to expand the scope of the sustainable water supply programme to 16 Tehsils in collaboration with the World Bank (WB) and Local Government Department.