Page 217 - Muzaffargarh Gazzetteer

BECOMING THE FIRST OPEN DEFECATION FREE (ODF)
DISTRICT OF PAKISTAN

The importance of safe water, sanitation facilities and hygienic environment
cannot be overemphasized, yet it remains largely a neglected area all across
the country. Muzaffargarh was no different either. It was rather ranked at
35 number out of the 36 districts, on this account, at least in Punjab. The
th
Government of Punjab had embarked upon an ambitious Water Sanitation
& Hygiene Sector Development Plan (2016-2026), whereby the access of
community to toilet facilities was to be increased in a bid to decrease, and
eventually, eliminate open defecation. The District Administration
Muzaffargarh decided to take lead in this largely ignored, yet important,
matter too. All relevant stakeholders were taken on board, and through the
joint efforts of District Administration, the Housing, Urban Development &
Public Health Engineering Department, and implementing partner,
WaterAid, Muzaffargarh had the honour of becoming the first Open
Defecation Free (ODF) district not only of Punjab but of Pakistan. Formal
announcement to this effect was made on November 27, 2019 in a
ceremony held at the Jinnah Hall, Muzaffargarh. (Compare this with the
fact that not too long ago, it was ranked at second last number in the entire
province.) The district has now achieved the unique status where all the
households have access to toilets. However, to reap maximum benefits from
the exercise, behavior change at individual as well as community levels is,
and remains, a pre-requisite.

ESTABLISHMENT OF A BUS STAND
The city did not have even a single approved and well-equipped bus/wagon
stand to cater for the needs of the general public. A few unregistered
bus/wagon stands were, however, functioning in the city and exploiting the
public without providing necessary facilities in return. Establishment of a
modern and well-equipped bus/wagon stand was therefore the need of the
time. It was also found out that a few years ago, a project of construction and
establishment of a stand was initiated close to the Yadgar Club, but was left
in the middle. The place was now being used by private transporters mostly
for parking their vehicles and other related purposes. The place was
retrieved; a design of a stand with all necessary facilities was approved after
requisite consultation; and the civil works were accordingly initiated.

At the same time, for the long term solution of the traffic and transport
issues, a proposal for establishment of bigger bus stand on Mehmoodkot
Road, outside the city area, was prepared and got included in the master
plan of Muzaffargarh which was being implemented as part of the Punjab
Intermediate Cities Improvement Investment Program by the Asian
Development Bank funding.

212