ISLAMABAD, July 12 (ABC): The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has reconstructed and rehabilitated 119 flood protection structures and reinforced 394 kilometres of flood embankments, strengthening the province’s defences against future floods.
According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded $124.5 million Flood Emergency Reconstruction and Resilience Project was launched to rebuild infrastructure damaged by severe floods.
Flood protection infrastructure strengthened
The project focused on rehabilitating roads, bridges, flood protection structures, embankments and disaster management systems.
A major achievement was the introduction of sheet piling technology in critical flood protection structures. The technology increased the expected lifespan of these structures from about 25 years to 150 years.
It also improved durability and reduced long-term maintenance costs.
Road network upgraded
The project significantly upgraded Punjab’s road infrastructure to improve connectivity and resilience.
Authorities rehabilitated and reconstructed about 2,587 kilometres of provincial highways and district roads. This exceeded the original target of 1,740 kilometres.
In addition, engineers rebuilt 261.6 kilometres of roads and bridges using multi-hazard resilient standards.
The upgraded infrastructure also includes safety features for women, children, older people and persons with disabilities.
Disaster management capacity improved
The project also strengthened Punjab’s disaster response capabilities.
Authorities established a modern Data Management and Control Centre at PDMA. The facility is equipped with high-performance servers, GIS systems, hazard mapping tools and disaster management applications.
The government also established a Data Clearing House in the Punjab Planning and Development Department.
The centre integrates and shares geospatial and disaster-related information among government departments.
Risk assessments completed
The project carried out Multi-Hazard Vulnerability and Risk Assessments in 20 districts across Punjab.
These assessments covered approximately 1.8 million households and generated important data for future disaster planning.
Building long-term resilience
According to the documents, the project has helped Punjab move beyond post-flood reconstruction.
By strengthening flood protection infrastructure, modernising disaster management systems and improving resilient transport networks, the initiative has enhanced the province’s preparedness for future floods and other natural disasters.
