M RAFIQUE GORAYA

LAHORE: The Punjab Provincial Development Working Party (PPDWP) approved revised Renewable Energy Development Sector Investment Programme (REDSIP) at the cost of Rs 10.879 billion for construction of a number of hydel and other power projects in the province, here on Tuesday.

It is worth mentioning that Punjab with 68 percent consumption of generated power and gas, is worst affected and has to endure both power and gas load shedding with adverse social and economic consequences.

Under the Annual Development Programme 2017–18, the government plans to complete the already under construction Asian Development Bank (ADB) assisted REDSIP five hydropower projects at Marala (Sialkot), Chianwali (Gujranwala), Deg Out Fall (Sheikhupura), Pakpattan (Pakpattan) and Ranolia.

The PDWP also approved three other development schemes which included:

1. Establishment of 60 bedded THQ Hospital at Raiwind Lahore (Revised) at the cost of Rs 531.624 million.

2. Expansion Plan of Elite Police Training School, Bedian Road, Lahore at the cost of Rs 717.946 million and ;

3. Provision of Clean Drinking Water, Sewerage System, PCC and Allied Facilities in Chohan Colony Singhpura and Adjoining Abadies, Lahore at the cost of Rs 500.000 million.

These schemes were approved in the 6th meeting of Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) of current fiscal year 2017-18 presided over the Chairman P&D Muhammad Jahanzeb Khan.

All Members of the Planning & Development Board, Provincial Secretaries concerned and other senior representatives of the relevant Provincial Departments also attended the meeting.