LAHORE: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has given approval for Murree Tourism Development Project (MTDP) and the speedy execution of related projects, including parking plazas, ropeway system and transit transport at the resort.

Tourism secretary will act as head of the project management unit of the MTDP and its steering committee will be led by the chief secretary while other members will be nominated later, says a notification issued on Monday.

The staff for finance, planning and transport units and operation/contracts wing will be either sought on deputation from various government offices or recruited from private sector.

Meanwhile, Mr Sharif claims corruption and wastage of development funds has come to an end, and all resources are being utilised for the welfare of the masses in a transparent manner.

Chairing a meeting held to review development project, he said a corruption-free culture had been promoted and every penny of public money was being used only for raising the people’s living standard.

He said third-party audit system was being strictly implemented in the execution of all major development projects.

He said the Shalimar Interchange, Saggian Interchange, Madr-i-Millat and Shaukat Ali Road projects were also of the highest standard and had resulted in streamlining of the traffic flow.

Saying additional funds were vital to development projects’ early completion, he added that a transparent policy had been adopted for the generation of extra resources.

The chief minister issued instructions for setting up a special committee to be headed by the chief secretary for reviewing the briefing given by foreign consultants on the development of various recreational spots in Lahore.
Source: Dawn
Date:5/11/2010