n recent years, the concept of smart cities has gained significant traction worldwide. The aim is to utilise advanced technology, improved municipal service delivery infrastructure and institutional strengthening of municipal organisation’s staff to enhance the quality of life for their citizens.

The Punjab, the most populated province of Pakistan, has recognised the potential of smart cities as catalysts for economic development and their role in the provision of better civic amenities. By embracing innovative technologies and sustainable practices, the Punjab aims to create smart cities that will drive economic growth, improve infrastructure and enhance standards of living for its residents.

The Local Government and Community Development Department of the government of the Punjab in collaboration with the World Bank has started the Punjab Cities Programme (PCP). The $236 million programme is being implemented in 16 cities of the Punjab by the Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (PMDFC).

The cities included in the project are: Bahawalnagar, Burewala, Daska, Gojra, Hafizabad, Jaranwala, Jhang, Jhelum, Kamalia, Kamoke, Khanewal, Kot Addu, Muridke, Okara, Vehari and Wazirabad. The initiative seeks to drive economic growth, enhance infrastructure, improve the well-being of the residents and ensure sound environmental and social management practices to transform partner cities into smart and sustainable urban centres.

The Punjab Cities Programme is aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. The programme’s holistic approach to urban development and its consideration of environmental, social and economic aspects aligns with the broader global sustainability agenda outlined in the SDGs 3, 5, 6, 11 and 13.

Under the PCP, investments are being made in the construction and rehabilitation of roads, beautification of chowks, parks, water supply, sewerage system, waste water treatment plants, general bus stands and solid waste management machinery. Infrastructure projects are at various stages in the partner cities.

An investment of around $216 million will be made in the project areas. This includes a 20 percent share by the relevant MCs amounting to $36 million. The investment will revolutionise the municipal service delivery landscape in the partner cities.

The Punjab Cities Programme (PCP) has introduced a ground-breaking approach by developing comprehensive sewerage solutions that encompass sewage collection, transportation, treatment and re-use. The innovation aims to address the pressing issue of inadequate sewerage systems in the Punjab, offering sustainable and efficient solutions for cities in the region.

The PCP has designed waste water treatment plants that provide a complete sewerage solution for cities like Jhang, Jaranwala, Khanewal and Gojra. They are poised to revolutionise the way waste water is managed, ensuring the well-being of residents and the environment. By developing these treatment plants, the PCP is taking significant steps towards achieving comprehensive sewerage systems that effectively tackle the challenges posed by waste water.

The PCP is also actively developing a modern drainage system in Daska. Once the PC 1 (project digest) receives approval, work will commence on the project. The initiatives will not only improve the overall quality of life for residents but also contribute to mitigation of climate change impacts.

Recognising the significance of infrastructure, Integrated Development and Asset Management Plan (IDAMP) Framework has also been developed for all 16 partner MCs under the PCP. This framework outlines principles for the optimal development and management of asset portfolios, aiming to achieve service delivery objectives. It establishes a consistent approach and methodology for asset development and management, while also providing guidelines to enable informed decision-making by municipal committees regarding investments and asset management that align with service delivery objectives.

The PCP places a strong emphasis on incorporating citizen feedback in its processes. In order to ensure inclusivity, a series of consultative sessions with the local communities were conducted across all 16 PCP cities. Infrastructure projects are being developed in the light of a priority list formulated based on these consultations.

By actively seeking citizen feedback and involving local communities in the decision-making process, the PCP has fostered a sense of ownership and accountability. It recognises the importance of local knowledge and perspectives, allowing for infrastructure development that aligns with the specific needs and aspirations of the community.

The PMDFC is guiding and supporting the Municipal Committees (MCs) to successfully implement the projects identified by the local communities. This partnership aims to empower the MCs and strengthen their capacity to execute these projects effectively.

Two major challenges needed to be addressed in order to achieve this objective. The first involved equipping the human resources (HR) with the necessary skills; the second was ensuring sufficient budget allocations. In response to the need for improving the skills of municipal corporation (MC) staff under the Punjab Cities Programme, an institutional strengthening wing was established.

To date, this wing has provided training on various crucial aspects, including investment planning and budgeting, human resources, own source revenues, procurement, financial management and audit, environment and social management, as well as transparency and accountability.

In order to address the budgetary requirements, particular attention was given to developing Own Source Revenue Plans to establish a sustainable financial stream. These plans involved re-evaluating rental income from MC-owned properties and implementing the digitisation of water supply bills. As a result of these initiatives, the bill collection rate improved and citizens now have convenient options to pay their bills through banks and other digital banking channels.

To improve municipal service delivery, the adoption of digital platforms and e-governance systems is being promoted. Technology-driven solutions to improve governance and service delivery are being developed and implemented in partner MCs. This enables citizens to access government services more efficiently, reduces bureaucratic hurdles and enhances transparency.

One of the key features of the PCP is that many IT-based solutions developed under the programme umbrella have the potential to be replicated across other MCs in the province. Many IT-based solutions like Grievance Redress Management (GRM), (Baldia Shikayat App), Computerised Financial Management System (CFMS), Performance Management System (PMS) and dynamic websites are developed and delivered to the MCs.

A significant aspect of the programme is the focus on integrated urban planning using IT-based contemporary techniques. The interventions aim to improve land use, strengthen spatial planning, and promote sustainable development practices. By adopting advanced technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing, MCs can efficiently manage resources, identify growth opportunities, and optimise urban development.

Integrated planning ensures that infrastructure and public services are strategically aligned, laying the foundation for economic development. Under the PCP, service delivery maps are being developed to not only help in smooth functioning of these services but will also improve the planning capacity of the MCs.

Special heed is being paid to improving functions and systems of the partner MCs. In this regard, PMDFC accomplished an energy audit to determine the energy consumption, energy efficiency of motor pumps etc, fuel consumption by vehicles and developed performance indicators for motor pumps, streetlights, vehicles and buildings. Based on the findings of energy audit, several energy efficiency measures have been identified and summary of potential savings for each measure (in energy and monetary terms) along with estimated investment costs and payback period was also provided to partner MCs.

The programme incorporates robust environmental and social management practices. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are developed during the planning and design stages of infrastructure projects to identify potential environmental risks and propose mitigation measures. The programme ensures that infrastructure projects adhere to both international and local environmental standards and regulations, thereby minimising adverse impacts on ecosystems.

For instance, various instruments, such as Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), Alternative Resettlement Action Plan (ARAP), and Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) are developed based on project categories. Additionally, environmental, health and safety standard operating procedures have been implemented for workers and labourers.

Through integrated urban planning, infrastructure development, technology-driven solutions and focus on liveability, the programme aims to drive economic development, enhance the well-being of residents and ensure sound environmental and social management practices.

The writer is a media and communications professional. He has been working in the development sector. He tweets @Idrees_Haider