ADB to fund master plan preparation of seven cities in Punjab.

Lahore: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has provided its approval for issuing funds worth USD 15 million – required to prepare the spatial master plans of seven cities in Punjab, a news source reported. The funds will also apply to preparations of detailed engineering designs and operational business plans of these cities.

The master plan for efficient land-use at Punjab’s tehsil level demanded

ADB approved the funds for the proposed urban development projects in Dera Ghazi (DG) Khan, Bahawalpur, Muzaffargarh, Multan, Rawalpindi, Rahim Yar Khan (RYK), and Sargodha. Meanwhile, ADB Senior Urban Development Specialist for Central & West Asia Jude Kohlhase appreciated the Punjab government’s proactive role towards urban development challenges in the province.

To this effect, he said that the approved loan would help the local governments enhance the spatial and urban planning of the cities. He added that it will also help prepare environmental assessments, implement gender action plans – with a focus on gender equality –  and incorporate climate resilient designs for priority investments.

On the other hand, the bank has opined that urban development challenges were most pronounced within different cities of Punjab. These included severe traffic issues, ineffective waste management, poor-quality water, and lack of public transport.

The master plan of Punjab’s 100 tehsil-level cities to be updated

ADB has extended its support for identifying integrated smart solutions for strengthening the urban and spatial planning systems of the institutions concerned. It will also help in preparing land acquisition and resettlement plans, procurement documents, and feasibility studies.