ISLAMABAD – The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved development projects in excess of Rs 251 billion on Thursday.
Federal Minister of Finance and Revenue Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh chaired the meeting of the ECNEC Executive Committee in the Cabinet Division.
ECNEC evaluated and approved a summary of the construction of the Gwadar-Ratodero Road Project (M-8), supported by the Ministry of Communications and run by the NHA at a rationalized cost of Rs. 38,026,28 million. ECNEC approved the project in terms of its strategic importance as it will facilitate connectivity for CPEC projects through improved road links.
A summary has been submitted prior to ECNEC on the provision of Advanced Skills Development through the International Scholarship Phase-1 for Master and Doctoral programs to be run by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). The project is part of the Prime Ministry Knowledge Economy Task Force Initiative that will enable our young people to access higher education opportunities at reputable international universities. ECNEC approved the project at a rationalized cost of Rs. 13.361 billion.
A summary of the Great Karachi Water Supply Plan (K-IV) 260 MGD (phase-1) was submitted before ECNEC. The project will provide an additional 260 MGD of water to Karachi at a total cost of Rs. 25,551.77 million. The expected completion time is 04 years. ECNEC approved the project of providing environmentally friendly water sanitation and waste management infrastructure / facilities to Karachi residents.
Similarly, a project titled ‘Solid Waste Emergency and Efficiency Project (SWEEP)’ was presented in front of the Committee, sponsored by the local government, Sindh Government, Housing and Urban Planning Department, with a total cost of Rs. Rs 16,800 million including IBRD-World Bank loan. 16,000 million. The project is designed to improve the Solid Waste Management (SWM) infrastructure and service delivery in order to reduce the risk of widespread flooding caused by inadequate solid and liquid waste management during the monsoons and transform Karachi into an environmentally friendly city. long run.
ECNEC evaluated and approved the “Khyber Pakhtunkwa Human Capital Investment Project” (KPHCIP) (Education Component) at a total cost of Rs 189110.255 million ($ 115 million). The project was funded by the World Bank / IDA. The project is expected to improve the basic education infrastructure in Peshawar, Haripur, Noshera and Swabi districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa State.
The “Construction of 100 Dams in Balochistan – Package IV (23 Dams)” project was approved by ECNEC at a total cost of Rs 13,512,725 million. The Baluchistan Government Irrigation Department will run the project and complete it within 3 years. Recognizing the water scarcity in Balochistan province, the project is designed to take advantage of flood flows for direct irrigation, groundwater supply and agricultural development through the construction of small dams throughout the province.
“Pak-China Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) Cross-Border OFC Network (Khunjerab-Karachi) Along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Routes” Project “II. Stage approved, totaling Rs 37,915,899 million. . The project will provide an alternative route for international connectivity with China through Pakistan’s Northern Border and transform Pakistan into a Digital Gateway of regional connectivity.
The COVID-19 response and other Natural Disaster Control Program have been approved by ECNEC at the cost of Rs. 70 billion as a federal share. The project includes the National Health improvement program, the National Water and Sanitation and Hygiene program (WASH), COVID-19 interventions for less developed areas, etc. Contains.
ECNEC also approved the “Doubling and Upgrading the Old Bannu Road” project with a total cost of Rs. 17,230 million from the federal PSDP (2020-21). The project is located on the N-55 (75 km) from Gaandi Chowk to Sarai Naurang (8km) and Domail to Krapa on the existing 83-km-long 02-lane old Bannu road to 4 lanes with 7.3 m wide motorway on both sides. It foresees to be made binary. The scope of the work also includes the extension of existing culverts and bridges, construction of retaining walls and drainage / erosion works and associated facilities. NHA will run the project.
Federal Minister of Planning, Development Reforms and Private Initiatives Asad Umar, Minister of Industry and Production Hammad Azhar, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Institutional Reforms and Savings Dr. Ishrat Hussain and Minister of Economy Khusro Bakhtiar attended the meeting.