The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has made progress on five development projects worth a total of Rs 60.259 billion. The meeting was chaired by Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal.
The CDWP approved three projects. Their total cost is Rs 11.714 billion. Two more major projects have been sent to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final approval with a total cost of Rs 48.545 billion.
These major projects also include a project to provide water to Gwadar from Mirani Dam. The Balochistan government had proposed the cost of the project at Rs 29 billion. However, after technical examination by the Planning Commission, it has been recommended to reduce the cost to about Rs 23.82 billion. Thus, a saving of about Rs 5.235 billion is expected.
Under the project, a pipeline of about 125 km and related infrastructure will be constructed for water supply from Mirani Dam to Gwadar Town. The project aims to make water supply in Gwadar more sustainable.
Ahsan Iqbal also focused on the issue of sewage and wastewater along with the Gwadar project. He directed the Balochistan government to initiate a formal study for wastewater treatment in Gwadar.
The Planning Minister has also allowed the project to proceed to the bidding stage. However, no contract will be finalised before ECNEC approval. Some technical issues related to water demand, water sources, hydrology, land acquisition and operation and maintenance will also have to be resolved before the project is approved.
The second major project is the Karachi Neighbourhood Improvement Project. Its revised cost is about Rs 19.545 billion. The project has also been sent for ECNEC approval.
The project involves a loan of $85 million from the World Bank, while the Sindh government will also provide its share. The meeting also decided to form a committee to monitor development projects financed by foreign loans. The aim is to improve transparency and accountability.
The CDWP also approved the establishment of a medical and nursing college in Gilgit. The project cost is Rs 4.924 billion. According to officials, this will help increase medical education and training opportunities in remote areas.
The plan to establish an FCS campus at the National Defence University has also been approved. This campus will be established in the Defence Complex Islamabad and will cost about Rs 2.75 billion.
In addition, the construction of a 53.4-kilometre road from Zira to Dabori in Orakzai district was approved. The cost of the project is about Rs 4.037 billion. This project has been pending since 2016.
Ahsan Iqbal directed the concerned authorities to release the remaining funds for the project before the onset of the winter season so that the construction work does not get delayed further. According to officials, the road will improve transportation and regional connectivity in Orakzai district.
Overall, the recent decision covers the sectors of health, water, urban development, education, defence research and roads. Final approval of major projects is now subject to a future decision by ECNEC.
