SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS OF PUNJAB MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT FUND COMPANY (1998-2023) (2024-1)

The Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (PMDFC), a pivotal technical entity under Punjab's Local Government & Community Development Department, marks a significant milestone in its history the celebration of its 25th Anniversary the Silver Jubilee This commemoration stands as a testament to PMDFC's remarkable joumey. its manifold accomplishments, and its indispensable role in bolstering municipal services infrastructure and local government capacity across Punjab.

Established in 1998 under the Companies Ordinance 1984 and registered with SECP on 08/10/1998, PMDFC was conceived to aid Punjab's local governments in surmounting capacity constraints across financial, administrative, technical, and organizational domains. The company's overarching goal was to elevate the coverage and quality of municipal services throughout Punjab. Over the past 25 years. PMDFC has exhibited a sustained commitment to urban development, municipal services enhancement, and fortifying economic and institutional capacities within local governments.

Operating with the vision of "Help Build Healthy Cities," PMDFC has emerged as a multidisciplinary institution proficient in surveying, feasibility studies, planning, design, and the operation and maintenance of diverse municipal services. Its skilled workforce has significantly enhanced the institutional capacity of staff overseeing service delivery across all levels, thereby augmenting the quality of life in Punjab.

PMDFC's achievements are extensive, notably reflected in completed projects totalling Rs. 7855 million. These encompass diverse endeavours such as Punjab Municipal Services Improvement Project (PMSIP). asset management, procurement, IT-based systems, capacity building and several other initiatives aimed at enhancing municipal infrastructure and services across various districts and cities in Punjab.

Notably, the Punjab Municipal Services Improvement Project (PMSIP) garnered acclaim, earning recognition from the World Bank Regional Vice President Award for its exceptional contribution among South Asian Region World Bank projects. The project encompassed 41 sub- projects across 104 Tehsil Municipal Administrations (TMA) in Punjab amounting to Rs. 4010 million.

The significance of PMDFC's journey lies not only in the tangible infrastructural enhancements but also in the profound impact on the lives of Punjab's residents. These range from the elimination of ponds for improved sanitation, development of sanitary landfill sites, pilot projects for rural solid waste management, clean drinking water initiatives, to the design and supervision of road and park construction each contributing significantly to amplify the quality of life for communities across the province.

In addition to infrastructural strides, PMDFC has emphasized capacity building, fostering collaborations with local governments, and empowering them to autonomously and responsibly enhance service delivery. These efforts have been underpinned by a meticulous situation analysis of municipal services, addressing gaps and deficiencies comprehensively.

Presently, the Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (PMDFC) is actively engaged in the design and implementation phase of the World Bank-funded 'Punjab Cities Program' (PCP) across 16 selected cities in Punjab. This initiative aims to bolster the operational capacity of urban local governments in managing urban areas effectively. The primary objective is to introduce a model for Performance-Based Grants (PBGs) to Municipal Committees, focusing on parameters like Own source revenue and infrastructural development initiatives. These sub- projects have been rolled out in 16 chosen cities, including Daska. Hafizabad, Jhelum, Kamoke, Muridke, Wazirabad, Gojra, Jaranwala, Jhang, Kamalia, Okara, Bahawalnagar, Burewala, Khanewal, Kot Addu, and Vehari PMDFC has successfully completed 50 subprojects amounting to Rs. 2083 million as part of the Punjab Cities Program.

In parallel, PMDFC is overseeing a project titled "Support to Strengthen the Local Services by Local Governments. Funded by The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), this project focuses on enhancing local government services in selected districts of Punjab: Sheikhupura, Toba Tek Singh, Jhelum, and Lahore. Its core objectives encompass developing a regulatory framework, emphasizing capacity building among local government officials, officers, elected representatives, and support to the Punjab Local Government Academy (PLGA) in Lalamusa. The project places a strong emphasis on delivering municipal services while catering to the specific needs of vulnerable groups. Specific output indicators are set to measure success, including showcasing expertise in implementing standard operating procedures and bylaws. The project prioritizes gender inclusivity, promoting diversity, and empowering individuals within local government structures.

Furthermore, PMDFC is overseeing the implementation of the project "Revitalization of Sewage Pond." funded by UNICEF and valued at Rs. 10 million. This project targets the transformation of the wastewater pond at Mughal Pura (Laittan), Sheikhupura, with the aim of treating wastewater effectively minimizing its adverse impact on the environment and ground water and also to improve its quality for agricultural purposes without further treatment.

On the occasion of the silver Jubilee celebrations of Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (1998-2023). Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 25/- on 11th of January 2024.