ISLAMABAD: The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) on Tuesday approved a number of development projects to the tune of Rs74.48 billion while recommending approval of six megaprojects to the Executive Committee of National Economic Council (Ecnec) in energy, transport communication and health sectors.

Chaired by Minister of Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, the CDWP also accorded concept clearance to two foreign-funded projects proposed by the Sindh government costing Rs27.55bn.

In the energy sector, the CDWP recommended three megaprojects worth Rs27bn to Ecnec, including the construction of new 132kV grid stations and transmissions lines, distribution rehabilitation and distribution expansion. The three projects were proposed by Sukkur Electric Supply Company to upgrade the power distribution system and ensure loss reduction by the installation of new grid stations, transmission lines and transformers in Sukkur, Jacobabad and adjacent districts.

Approving the schemes, Mr Iqbal said the three projects must be completed in one year.

In the health sector, the CDWP approved two projects, including the Prime Minister’s National Health Programme (PMNHP) worth Rs8.179bn and the upgrade of non-radiation modern endoscopy diagnostic services at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences at a cost of Rs465 million.

The authorities concerned should also work out a detailed five-year plan to assess the financial impact of the PMNHP, the minister said.

The CDWP also approved four projects in the education sector, which included three projects in Balochistan. A project about strengthening Lahore’s University of Education was discussed in detail. The CDWP approved only one portion of the project to strengthen Lahore-based campuses of the university.

Mr Iqbal directed the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to ensure the consolidation of resources and discourage mushroom growth of universities. He asked the HEC to finalise a national framework for degree-awarding institutes and conduct an academic audit to ensure quality.

The CDWP also approved Rs1.5bn for University College of Dera Murad Jamali, Nasirabad. It also approved the establishment of University College of Zhob under University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences at a cost of Rs1.2bn.

The CDWP asked for the reconsideration of a project about the provision of quality education to the students of FATA and Balochistan in cadet colleges and polytechnic, vocational and other institutes, noting that the Ministry of Education should propose this initiative instead of the HEC.

It also approved the establishment and upgrade of Gwadar University at a cost of Rs67m. Mr Iqbal said master planning and designing should be in consultation with foreign experts who are already engaged in master planning of the Gwadar city.

In the area of industries and commerce, the CDWP approved a project costing Rs490.036m for industrial stitching units. In physical planning and housing, the CDWP approved two projects for the construction of Intelligence Bureau (IB) offices along with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the extension of the residential accommodation of the IB Academy at a cost of Rs580.883m.

The CDWP issued instructions for the revision of two projects in the housing sector, including the extension of federal lodges in Karachi and consultancy services for Margalla International Convention Centre, Islamabad.

In the transport and communication sector, the CDWP approved a project for the construction of the Lahore-Sialkot Motorway at a cost of Rs15.98bn.

The CDWP also recommended to Ecnec the improvement of the Ghalanai-Muhammad Ghat Road project in Mohmand Agency at a cost of Rs4.39bn.

It approved the re-launch of a Kohat-Rawalpindi-Kohat railcar on an experimental basis at a cost of Rs381m.

The CDWP approved a project worth Rs290.8m in the water sector. It also approved a project involving capacity building of the Pakistan Commissioner for Indus Waters costing Rs635.36m.

It approved the construction of two small dams in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at a cost of Rs2.9bn. Both dams will be constructed in Mansehra with the funding of the federal government whereas the KP government will fund the land acquisition.

Published in Dawn, April 12th, 2017