6 development projects worth Rs97.6bn approved by ECNEC

ISLAMABAD: In a meeting chaired by Prime Minister’s Advisor on Finance and Revenue Dr Hafeez Sheikh, six developmental projects worth Rs97.646 billion were approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).

The second revised cost of Rs4.905 billion for the Toiwar/Batozai Storage Dam Project was approved by the committee. The project located in District Killa Saifullah is set to add 95,000-acre-feet of water and cultivate 16,750 acres of land in Balochistan. The province’s irrigation department currently heading the project have been advised to complete the scheme within revised approved scope and cost.

Moreover, ECNEC also approved Rs28.465 billion in principle for the second revised PC-1 of the Naulong Dam Project in Balochistan. The financial details are yet to be finalised, after negotiations between the Economic Affairs Division and the Asian Development

In this regard, a committee was composed to discuss issues related to the preparation of the second revised PC-I of the project. The committee comprises of ministers of economic affairs, planning development, representative of the Balochistan government, Deputy Chairman Privatisation Commission, and a representative from Ministry of Water and Power, who will give its input within two weeks.

For the dualisation and improvement of Mandra-Chakwal Road Project located in the districts of Rawalpindi and Chakwal, an amount of Rs11.892bn was approved, which will be utilised from the federal PSDP.

The committee approved the construction of National Electronic Complex of Pakistan costing Rs16.081 billion will be constructed in Phase 1 in Sector H-9/1. Islamabad. Out of the total cost, Rs13.371 billion will be funded by the Chinese government as a loan, the meeting was briefed.

A total of Rs25.345 billion was approved for the National Programme, which will enhance the Command Area in Barani Areas of Pakistan. Under this project, 2,664 farm ponds for storing rainwater from various sources will be constructed with solar panels installed to increase the efficiency of irrigation systems.

In addition, 4,156 wells will be dug to promote irrigated agriculture by improving 2432 watercourses carrying water from various sources to enhance the efficiency of water conveyance at farm level.

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