World Bank-supported development projects in Khanewal are moving ahead to improve water supply, sewerage, drainage and public spaces. Officials say beautification and infrastructure schemes across Khanewal, Mian Channu and Jahanian are nearing completion.
MULTAN: A set of delayed and ongoing development schemes in Khanewal, being carried out with World Bank support in partnership with the Punjab government, is moving forward to improve civic facilities, urban infrastructure, sanitation and environmental conditions across the district.
According to officials, the projects are part of wider efforts to tackle shortages of clean drinking water, weak sewerage arrangements, damaged streets, inadequate drainage and poor street lighting, especially in heavily populated urban and semi-urban localities.
Beautification and public amenities
Among the major schemes is the rehabilitation and beautification of Fazal Park and Nishat Lake at an estimated cost of Rs114.8 million. The project covers landscaping, better recreational facilities and measures aimed at improving the urban environment.
A district-wide beautification programme costing Rs886 million is also close to completion. The scheme includes three major city-level projects: Khanewal at Rs600 million, Mian Channu at Rs146 million and Jahanian at Rs140 million. Under these works, markets and intersections are being upgraded through tuff tile installation, streetlights, entrance gates and other beautification measures.
Water, sewerage and social development
Officials said a clean drinking water scheme has been included under a 10-year social development programme between the Punjab government and the World Bank. The programme also includes interventions in education, municipal services and social welfare.
Authorities added that urban development work under the Punjab Cities Programme also covers improvements to water supply systems, sewerage networks and drainage infrastructure in several cities, benefiting thousands of residents dealing with sanitation-related problems.
Causes of delay and official oversight
Authorities said some schemes had faced delays because of procedural requirements, including tendering, land verification and financial approvals.
Deputy Commissioner Maliah Rashid has instructed the relevant departments to ensure that all development schemes are completed within the prescribed timelines while maintaining transparency standards. Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Naeem Sadiq Cheema is overseeing major infrastructure work, including carpet roads and tuff tile schemes intended to improve connectivity in both urban and rural areas.
