LAHORE (Dunya News) - Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has granted in-principle approval for the second phase of the Model Village Project aimed at improving rural infrastructure across the province.
A meeting chaired by the Chief Minister reviewed progress on the Model Village and Clean Water initiatives in Punjab’s rural areas. Officials informed the meeting that the second phase will include an additional 7,500 villages, while work is already underway in 485 villages under the first phase.
Under the project, rural development plans include water supply systems, solar-powered tube wells, drainage systems, and cleaning of wastewater ponds.
The meeting directed that cleaning of village ponds (locally known as “chhapar”) be completed by June 30, while construction of septic tanks has been set for completion by August 31.
The treated water from septic tanks will be used for irrigation purposes.
Officials said the first phase of the Model Village Project will cost over Rs 59 billion. A digital monitoring system will be introduced to track progress, including before-and-after video documentation of each village.
The Chief Minister also directed immediate repair and restoration of non-functional water filtration plants and ensured priority-based supply of clean drinking water in contaminated areas. A helpline (1336) has also been established for public complaints.
Progress on ongoing schemes in Khushab, Chishtian, and Rajanpur was also reviewed, where authorities were instructed to complete bottling plants and water supply schemes within the stipulated timeframe.