KARACHI, Feb 11: The Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) met here on Wednesday to consider development schemes relating to education, health, women’s development, transport and communication and a Union Council-based poverty reduction project worth Rs2.73 billion.

The UC-based poverty reduction project is being funded by the Asian Development Bank and will be executed by the Sindh Rural Support Organisation (SRSO).

Additional Chief Secretary (Development) Nazar Hussain Maher presided over the meeting, which considered two education sector schemes in District Dadu. The first involves the construction of the Pir Illahi Bux Law College building in Dadu (at an estimated cost of Rs49.658 billion), and the second pertains to the establishment of an education secretariat at the old boys hostel building of the Government Pilot Secondary High School Dadu (at an estimated cost of Rs14.908 million).

The PDWP approved both schemes, which have now been sent to the chief minister for his approval before they are implemented.

Three road projects, involving a total cost of Rs156.666 million, were also approved at the meeting. The widening and reconstruction of the road from Mirpur Mathelo to Dad Legltari Road Mile 0/0-9/4 (15.286km) will cost Rs72.558 million. The road from Dad Leghari to Keenjhar via Fateh Ali Pitafi road mile 0/0-81.1 (13km) will also be widened and reconditioned at a cost of Rs64.888 million. The road from the Indus Highway to Karampur Town, up to New Begar Bridge mile 0/0-3/2 (5.14km) will also be reconditioned, at a cost of Rs19.22 million.

The PDWP also approved a scheme to expand the Sindh Government Hospital in Orangi Town, Karachi, at an estimated cost of Rs286.885 million. Specialised care services will be focussed on, with 100 additional beds due to be provided to the orthopaedics, cardiology, coronary care, urology and diagnostic departments/units. Four new operation theatres will also be constructed, and a new OPD and administration block will also be made. The estimated time of completion of this scheme is June 2010.

In addition to health sector schemes, the PDWP also cleared the concept clearance proposal of the Sindh Women Economic Empowerment Programme (Sweep), prepared at an estimated cost of Rs147.296 million, for onward transmission to the federal government.

The objective of the scheme is to empower women in Sindh who have been deprived of their rights by creating income generating opportunities for them and by bridging the existing gaps in product development, production processes and marketing.

The proposed programme will be implemented through major civil society organisations through the next four financial years, including this one.

The PDWP also approved a three-year Rs2.73 billion scheme for a Union Council based poverty reduction project for Shikarpur and Kashmore-Kandhkot districts to provide relief and assistance to the poor.

The project will be executed by the Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO). It aims to improve the quality of life of communities living in rural areas that lack basic amenities and is designed to identify the poorest households and to organise them through village organisations.

The project includes the provision of vocational training programmes, improvement of physical infrastructure, income generation schemes and technology upgrade schemes.—APP