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ECNEC approves 25 projects worth Rs 68.53b

ISLAMABAD : The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved 25 development projects for various sectors amounting to Rs 68.529 billion with foreign exchange component of Rs 20.500 billion.

The ECNEC met under the chairmanship of Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz here in which it was decided to make Gawadar Seaport a real hub of industrial and economic activity and attractive for Central Asian States and Afghanistan, ECNEC approved up gradation of Gawadar International Airport.

To be constructed at the cost of Rs 480.125 million, the new airport would facilitate landing of airbus A-300 and B4 aircraft. To be completed in two phases, the salient features of the airport are: 9000 feet long and 150 feet wide with 25 feet shoulders on both sides, 900 feet over runs at both ends, 1500 ft x 75 ft with 25 ft shoulders on both sides and apron.

The new airport would conform to the international standards, provide a quality air link between Gawadar and the world and facilitate travel of businessmen and industrialists.

Punjab Road Sector Development Project Punjab Road Sector Development Project costing Rs 13328 million including foreign exchange component of Rs 6336 million was approved to rehabilitate 303 km of provincial highways and 1020 km of rural access roads in Punjab.

The project would employ 5000 unskilled workers, 2000 skilled workers, 200 junior engineers and 100 senior engineers. For operations, 700 unskilled workers, 50 skilled, 25 junior engineers and 10 senior engineers will be engaged.

Rs 4284m for Punjab Community Water Supply and Sanitation ECNEC approved for Rs 4284 million Punjab Community Water Supply and Sanitation Project with foreign exchange component of Rs 210 million.

Under the project 500 new water supply and drainage schemes will be constructed, 250 rehabilitated and 100 mini water supply schemes will be constructed. The project would improve quality of life in rural areas and provide hope and opportunity to the people.

The sector wise break up of the projects is: irrigation Rs 3363.727 million, water supply Rs 7486.713 million, communications Rs 36837.814 million, rural development Rs 9308.06 million, health Rs 4785.741 million, education Rs 5880 million, technical education Rs 284 million and science and technology Rs 299.200 million.

Most of the projects located in Sindh and Balochistan reaffirm government's resolve to accelerate development in these provinces and create job opportunities for the people. Rs 14419m for Sindh Road Development Programme.

The meeting approved Rs 14419 million Sindh Road Sector Development Programme. Under the programme, 166 km of provincial highways and 1200 km of rural access roads will be improved.

To be completed in 60 months, the project will improve physical infrastructure of Sindh, generate employment opportunities and trigger economic development.

Decentralized elementary education project (DEEP) costing Rs 5880 million including ADB loan of Rs 4538.124 million envisages improving access and quality at elementary level education, with emphasize on promotion of girls education in rural areas and urban slums of Sindh Province. When implemented, the participation rate at elementary education will increase from existing 38pc to 55pc.

The project would attract and retain girls of rural areas in elementary education. Stipends will be provided to girls to increase participation rate at secondary/higher secondary levels.

The project aims at upgradation of 1200 existing primary schools (65 per cent for girls) to elementary schools, introduction of pre-primary education in 1000 primary schools, life skills, and buildings for 200 shelterless primary schools.

Jointly sponsored by Health Department of Sindh and Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, Support for Extended Programme of Immunization costing Rs 591.476m including foreign exchange component of Rs 518.756m would improve access to sustainable immunization services, expand the use of cost effective vaccines, introduce new vaccines, encourage research and development efforts and make immunization coverage an integral part of health systems.

To be implemented in 60 months, the project would reduce child death, cover more than 80 per cent population in each district, control polio, eliminate neo-natal tetanus and control measles.

A similar two projects with support of GAVI costing Rs 267.300 million and Rs 940.047 million was approved for Federally Administered Northern Areas and Punjab respectively.

Rupees 273.037 million Roll Back Malaria Control Programme approved by ECNEC would help in early detection and treatment of malaria cases, evolve sustainable prevention strategies and focus on research to contain the disease.

Similarly, Rs 2858.400 million Enhanced HIV/AIDS Control Programme with foreign exchange component of Rs 656.400 million would ensure an effective, coordinated and sustainable multi-sectorial response to HIV/AIDS in Pakistan.

The programme to be implemented in 60 months will reduce risk of HIV infection, expand the knowledge base and improve the quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS through the provision of quality care and support.

The programme will also provide assistance for controlling Hepatitis-B. modernization and upgradation of Pakistan Industrial Technical Assistance Center (PITAC), Lahore costing Rs 284 million with foreign exchange component of Rs 264 million would provide technological backup support to the industries, particularly small and medium enterprises in production of tooling equipment, training engineers, dissemination of latest technological know-how and skill upgradation.

Prime Minister of Japan Junichiro Koizumi committed support the project mooted by Pakistan-Japan Business Forum. To be implemented in 24 months, the project would train 2000 workers/professionals annually in the fields of metalworking and manufacturing engineering.

ECNEC approved Rs.500 million for setting up of Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO) for poverty alleviation and participatory development in Jaccobabad, Shikarpur, Ghotki, Khairpur and Tharpaerkar districts of Sindh.

The SRSO will work for capacity building and fostering productive linkages with the line departments to generate social sector development, including health, education, family planning, sanitation and clean drinking water.

It would also focus on income generation through improved agriculture. The meeting approved Rs 1572 million Technical Assistance programme for Local Government Performance Enhancement with foreign exchange component of Rs 15334 million to enable Federal government to bear the revenue costs of shifting substantial fiscal resources on sustainable bases to the provinces and local governments; empowering local governments and citizens, promoting social development and accelerating decentralization.

Rs 3754.06 million Sindh Rural Development Project with foreign exchange component of Rs 2877.80 million was approved to improve governance and legal support, enhance social process at community level, and improve rural livelihood and upgrading rural infrastructure.

To be implemented in seven years, the project will generate income for local work force, train human resources in livestock management and improve community health, specially children and women.

To add about 50000 sq km seabed area to the National Maritime Jurisdiction in addition to the existing 240000 sq km for exploiting underwater resources, the meeting approved survey for extension of continental shelf of Pakistan from 200 nautical miles to 350 nautical miles.

To be implemented in 36 months, the project would cost Rs 299.200 million including foreign exchange component of Rs 260.700 million.

Approval was accorded to Rs 5080.737 million Lyari Express Way, Karachi. The 16.5 km four lane Express Way will improve traffic flow, reduce traffic jam and improve road safety.

A separate amount of Rs 2871.652 million was also approved for re-settlement of affectees as a result of building the Express Way.

To provide drinking water in remote rural areas/villages of Balochistan by treating saline/brackish water through solar energy, the meeting approved Rs 869 million Solar Powered Drinking Water Supply Project for Remote Villages in Balochistan.

The project will be completed in one year. It includes development of 50 schemes in 22 towns of Balochistan.

ECNEC approved Rs 3482 million Fordwah Eastern Sadiqia Remaining Surface Training Project to eliminate water logging and salinity in the area for optimum agricultural development.

When implemented, it would benefit 0.321 million acres of cultivated land. Rupees 2306.713 million homegrown project to upgrade Kinjhar Lake System to assure water supply for Karachi was approved.

The project envisages increasing discharge of KB Feeder from 9100 cusecs to 9800 cusecs through remodeling, raising of Kinjhar Lake embankment by 3.2 feet and construction of 4000 feet long spill way.

The project would increase water supply to Karachi from 900 cusecs to 1200 cusecs without interrupting irrigation needs of Thatta district.

This project will meet future long-term water needs for Karachi. To tap around 10 MAF water from Mithawan hill torrents and to control floods, ECNEC approved Rs 364.268 million Fan Management of Mithawan hill torrents in D.G. Khan District with foreign exchange component of Rs 162 million.

The PAT Feeder Command Area Development Project costing Rs 1068.817 million, including foreign exchange component of Rs 53.243 million was approved to provide On Farm Water Management, Agriculture and Agriculture Extension and Community Organization Support.

For rehabilitation of Taunsa Barrage Irrigation System, an amount of Rs 1363.472 million including foreign exchange component of Rs 1323.760 million was approved.

The objective of the project is to eliminate mechanical problems of main barrage, rehabilitation of gates and allied equipment including 11 under sluice gates and 20 weir gates.

The meeting approved Rs 567.170 million Chagai Water Management and Agricultural Development Project with foreign exchange components of Rs 433.407 million.

The project would increase crop production in 0.3 million acres of land by providing sustainable irrigation water supply.

The objective will be to achieve through exploitation of surface and ground water sources, better on farm water management and improve agronomic practices. The scope of project includes improvement of 325 water courses, construction of 265 water storage tanks, installation of trickle irrigation system, subsurface irrigation on 200 ha, provision of bubblers/rain guns and installation of 50 tubewells.

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	ECNEC approves 25 projects worth Rs 68.53b ISLAMABAD : The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved 25 development projects for various sectors amounting to Rs 68.529 billion with foreign exchange component of Rs 20.500 billion. The ECNEC met under the chairmanship of Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz here in which it was decided to make Gawadar Seaport a real hub of industrial and economic activity and attractive for Central Asian States and Afghanistan, ECNEC approved up gradation of Gawadar International Airport. To be constructed at the cost of Rs 480.125 million, the new airport would facilitate landing of airbus A-300 and B4 aircraft. To be completed in two phases, the salient features of the airport are: 9000 feet long and 150 feet wide with 25 feet shoulders on both sides, 900 feet over runs at both ends, 1500 ft x 75 ft with 25 ft shoulders on both sides and apron. The new airport would conform to the international standards, provide a quality air link between Gawadar and the world and facilitate travel of businessmen and industrialists. Punjab Road Sector Development Project Punjab Road Sector Development Project costing Rs 13328 million including foreign exchange component of Rs 6336 million was approved to rehabilitate 303 km of provincial highways and 1020 km of rural access roads in Punjab. The project would employ 5000 unskilled workers, 2000 skilled workers, 200 junior engineers and 100 senior engineers. For operations, 700 unskilled workers, 50 skilled, 25 junior engineers and 10 senior engineers will be engaged. Rs 4284m for Punjab Community Water Supply and Sanitation ECNEC approved for Rs 4284 million Punjab Community Water Supply and Sanitation Project with foreign exchange component of Rs 210 million. Under the project 500 new water supply and drainage schemes will be constructed, 250 rehabilitated and 100 mini water supply schemes will be constructed. The project would improve quality of life in rural areas and provide hope and opportunity to the people. The sector wise break up of the projects is: irrigation Rs 3363.727 million, water supply Rs 7486.713 million, communications Rs 36837.814 million, rural development Rs 9308.06 million, health Rs 4785.741 million, education Rs 5880 million, technical education Rs 284 million and science and technology Rs 299.200 million. Most of the projects located in Sindh and Balochistan reaffirm government's resolve to accelerate development in these provinces and create job opportunities for the people. Rs 14419m for Sindh Road Development Programme. The meeting approved Rs 14419 million Sindh Road Sector Development Programme. Under the programme, 166 km of provincial highways and 1200 km of rural access roads will be improved. To be completed in 60 months, the project will improve physical infrastructure of Sindh, generate employment opportunities and trigger economic development. Decentralized elementary education project (DEEP) costing Rs 5880 million including ADB loan of Rs 4538.124 million envisages improving access and quality at elementary level education, with emphasize on promotion of girls education in rural areas and urban slums of Sindh Province. When implemented, the participation rate at elementary education will increase from existing 38pc to 55pc. The project would attract and retain girls of rural areas in elementary education. Stipends will be provided to girls to increase participation rate at secondary/higher secondary levels. The project aims at upgradation of 1200 existing primary schools (65 per cent for girls) to elementary schools, introduction of pre-primary education in 1000 primary schools, life skills, and buildings for 200 shelterless primary schools. Jointly sponsored by Health Department of Sindh and Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, Support for Extended Programme of Immunization costing Rs 591.476m including foreign exchange component of Rs 518.756m would improve access to sustainable immunization services, expand the use of cost effective vaccines, introduce new vaccines, encourage research and development efforts and make immunization coverage an integral part of health systems. To be implemented in 60 months, the project would reduce child death, cover more than 80 per cent population in each district, control polio, eliminate neo-natal tetanus and control measles. A similar two projects with support of GAVI costing Rs 267.300 million and Rs 940.047 million was approved for Federally Administered Northern Areas and Punjab respectively. Rupees 273.037 million Roll Back Malaria Control Programme approved by ECNEC would help in early detection and treatment of malaria cases, evolve sustainable prevention strategies and focus on research to contain the disease. Similarly, Rs 2858.400 million Enhanced HIV/AIDS Control Programme with foreign exchange component of Rs 656.400 million would ensure an effective, coordinated and sustainable multi-sectorial response to HIV/AIDS in Pakistan. The programme to be implemented in 60 months will reduce risk of HIV infection, expand the knowledge base and improve the quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS through the provision of quality care and support. The programme will also provide assistance for controlling Hepatitis-B. modernization and upgradation of Pakistan Industrial Technical Assistance Center (PITAC), Lahore costing Rs 284 million with foreign exchange component of Rs 264 million would provide technological backup support to the industries, particularly small and medium enterprises in production of tooling equipment, training engineers, dissemination of latest technological know-how and skill upgradation. Prime Minister of Japan Junichiro Koizumi committed support the project mooted by Pakistan-Japan Business Forum. To be implemented in 24 months, the project would train 2000 workers/professionals annually in the fields of metalworking and manufacturing engineering. ECNEC approved Rs.500 million for setting up of Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO) for poverty alleviation and participatory development in Jaccobabad, Shikarpur, Ghotki, Khairpur and Tharpaerkar districts of Sindh. The SRSO will work for capacity building and fostering productive linkages with the line departments to generate social sector development, including health, education, family planning, sanitation and clean drinking water. It would also focus on income generation through improved agriculture. The meeting approved Rs 1572 million Technical Assistance programme for Local Government Performance Enhancement with foreign exchange component of Rs 15334 million to enable Federal government to bear the revenue costs of shifting substantial fiscal resources on sustainable bases to the provinces and local governments; empowering local governments and citizens, promoting social development and accelerating decentralization. Rs 3754.06 million Sindh Rural Development Project with foreign exchange component of Rs 2877.80 million was approved to improve governance and legal support, enhance social process at community level, and improve rural livelihood and upgrading rural infrastructure. To be implemented in seven years, the project will generate income for local work force, train human resources in livestock management and improve community health, specially children and women. To add about 50000 sq km seabed area to the National Maritime Jurisdiction in addition to the existing 240000 sq km for exploiting underwater resources, the meeting approved survey for extension of continental shelf of Pakistan from 200 nautical miles to 350 nautical miles. To be implemented in 36 months, the project would cost Rs 299.200 million including foreign exchange component of Rs 260.700 million. Approval was accorded to Rs 5080.737 million Lyari Express Way, Karachi. The 16.5 km four lane Express Way will improve traffic flow, reduce traffic jam and improve road safety. A separate amount of Rs 2871.652 million was also approved for re-settlement of affectees as a result of building the Express Way. To provide drinking water in remote rural areas/villages of Balochistan by treating saline/brackish water through solar energy, the meeting approved Rs 869 million Solar Powered Drinking Water Supply Project for Remote Villages in Balochistan. The project will be completed in one year. It includes development of 50 schemes in 22 towns of Balochistan. ECNEC approved Rs 3482 million Fordwah Eastern Sadiqia Remaining Surface Training Project to eliminate water logging and salinity in the area for optimum agricultural development. When implemented, it would benefit 0.321 million acres of cultivated land. Rupees 2306.713 million homegrown project to upgrade Kinjhar Lake System to assure water supply for Karachi was approved. The project envisages increasing discharge of KB Feeder from 9100 cusecs to 9800 cusecs through remodeling, raising of Kinjhar Lake embankment by 3.2 feet and construction of 4000 feet long spill way. The project would increase water supply to Karachi from 900 cusecs to 1200 cusecs without interrupting irrigation needs of Thatta district. This project will meet future long-term water needs for Karachi. To tap around 10 MAF water from Mithawan hill torrents and to control floods, ECNEC approved Rs 364.268 million Fan Management of Mithawan hill torrents in D.G. Khan District with foreign exchange component of Rs 162 million. The PAT Feeder Command Area Development Project costing Rs 1068.817 million, including foreign exchange component of Rs 53.243 million was approved to provide On Farm Water Management, Agriculture and Agriculture Extension and Community Organization Support. For rehabilitation of Taunsa Barrage Irrigation System, an amount of Rs 1363.472 million including foreign exchange component of Rs 1323.760 million was approved. The objective of the project is to eliminate mechanical problems of main barrage, rehabilitation of gates and allied equipment including 11 under sluice gates and 20 weir gates. The meeting approved Rs 567.170 million Chagai Water Management and Agricultural Development Project with foreign exchange components of Rs 433.407 million. The project would increase crop production in 0.3 million acres of land by providing sustainable irrigation water supply. The objective will be to achieve through exploitation of surface and ground water sources, better on farm water management and improve agronomic practices. The scope of project includes improvement of 325 water courses, construction of 265 water storage tanks, installation of trickle irrigation system, subsurface irrigation on 200 ha, provision of bubblers/rain guns and installation of 50 tubewells.
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