19 February 2004	Thursday	27 Zilhaj 1424

ISLAMABAD, Feb 18: The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Wednesday approved seven projects worth Rs25.5 billion. The meeting, presided over by Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz , also reviewed progress on the current Public Sector Development Programme projects and put in place a mechanism to monitor the Madressah reforms programme.

The approved projects included two Rs23.79 billion water projects for Sindh, two projects in the physical planning and housing sector involving Rs500 million, and one project each in the population welfare, culture, and telecommunications sectors worth Rs303.01 million, Rs427.69 million and Rs450 million, respectively.

The Ecnec noted with satisfaction that projects for the current PSDP were on track. It observed that funds released were being effectively utilized. The meeting approved recommendations for improved training, establishment of a fund release committee, diversion of funds to high priority areas, training of project directors, etc.

It decided to establish planning and monitoring cells and create project accounts, and directed all divisions to appoint project directors for each project not later than March.

The meeting approved Rs18.862 billion Rainee Canal Project to be implemented in Sindh. The project is located in Nara desert lying in parts of Ghotki, Sukkur and Khairpur districts and is part of Wapda Vision 2025.

Rainee canal would irrigate a cultivable command area of 412,400 acres, out of a total of 515,500 acres, on both sides of the canal. It would off-take from Guddu barrage and use surplus flood water, subject to availability of water in Indus as per Water Accord 1991.

The canal is expected to increase agricultural production, enhance infrastructure facilities, and improve environment and quality of life. An amount of Rs300 million has been provided in the current PSDP to start the project.

The other water project approved was Rs4.9 billion On-Farm Water Management Project. It is estimated to increase agricultural production and farmer income through rehabilitation and better management of the irrigation system.

The Rs303 million population welfare services project would be implemented in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. To be completed by 2008, the project would address the population growth rate, improve health condition of women and children, create economic development and educate people about the health care.

The establishment of a Rs427.69 million 'National Monument of Pakistan' at Islamabad was approved. The monument, to be located on the hills of Shakarparian, would reflect culture and civilization of the country.

The meeting approved procurement of fire-fighting vehicles worth Rs318.47 million. Some 35 modern vehicles would be procured to expand and augment the fire-fighting capacity, particularly for high-rise buildings in Islamabad.

It also approved construction of a high security block in the foreign affairs ministry at a cost of Rs248.60 million. The project aims to provide additional accommodation and meet security requirements.

A Rs450 million Global System of Mobiles project was approved for Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Northern Areas to provide 50,000 lines in 12 cities. Subsequently, the facility will be enhanced to 200,000 lines in five years.

The Ecnec approved a monitoring mechanism to review progress of the Rs5.8 billion Madressah Reform Project. The education ministry has been made responsible for implementation of the project.

A federal project implementation unit was approved to coordinate with the steering committee to be set up in provinces to review progress on the project.