Urbanization has become a big challenge for the developing countries:Malik Tanvir Aslam

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Housing, Communication & Works Malik Tanvir Aslam Awan has said that urbanization has become a big challenge for the developing countries and large-scale migration of people from villages to the cities is causing a number of problems.

He was addressing the concluding session of Third Pakistan Urban Forum, here today. The Minister said that like other countries of the world, Pakistan is also facing the challenge of urbanization. He said that Punjab government is making all out measures during the last seven years for solution of all these problems. He said that a number of projects have been completed for coping with the challenge of urban governance, economy, planning, infrastructure, energy, environment and housing.

He said that Punjab’s population was two crore at the time of creation of the country and now it has become almost ten crore. He said that about 38 percent population lives in cities but by 2030, this ratio will increase to 50 percent. He said that there is a need for proper planning to deal with this issue. He said that due to migration of people from villages to cities, the problems relating to education, health, transport and housing have greatly increased.

He said that Punjab government is benefitting from the experiences of China, Turkey and other developed countries for resolving education, health and transportation problems. He said that Punjab government has provided shelter to the workers, labourers and poor people through Aashiyana Housing Project.

Malik Tanvir Aslam Awan further said that metro bus system is providing modern transport facilities to the citizens of Lahore and Rawalpindi. He said that the scope of this project is being expanded to other big cities as well. He said that Punjab government is also implementing Orange Line Metro Project expeditiously which will increase the beauty of the city. He said that government has also started the project of installation of water filtration plants at a cost of Rs. 17 billion for the provision of potable water to the masses.

He said that development of villages besides cities is a mission of the government. The Minister expressed the hope that such forums will help in solution of the problems and challenges relating to urbanization.