PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra on Wednesday approved the annual development programme for Fata for the year 2016-17, carrying a total outlay of Rs18.323 billion, an official statement issued here said.

Secretary Planning and Development, Fata, Shakil Qadar informed a meeting chaired by the governor that Rs18.232 billion had been allocated for Fata for completion of 997 schemes, including 773 ongoing and 224 new ones.

He said that Rs14.9 billion had been set aside for ongoing schemes and Rs3.2 billion for the new schemes. The ADP for the next financial year based on realistic figures with focus on timely execution of the development schemes, mainly the ongoing projects, within the stipulated period, said the statement.

Governor Jhagra directed officials of the line departments to ensure transparency and quality or work in the ongoing development schemes, and stressed that no compromise should be made in that regard.

He said that main objective of every project should be to improve the quality of life, especially those mired in abject poverty. He emphasised that planning should be based on the needs of the tribesmen and also asked authorities concerned to conduct field visits on a regular basis to ensure smooth and transparent completion of the projects.

Mr Jhagra said that Fata needed realistic development and directed the officials to expedite work on the ongoing schemes and ensure full utilisation of the allocated funds.

He also directed the relevant officials to ensure holding the quarterly progress review meetings and timely submission of PC-1s of the projects approved.

Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2016