FAISALABAD, Nov 8: As various development projects have yet to be launched in the district despite take-over by elected nazims of the city district and towns administration, the contractors and the general public are facing numerous problems.

It is learnt that the estimated cost of each project has gone up owing to delay in its commencement.

Immediately after dissolution of the local councils in June 2005, the Punjab government had appointed the district coordination officers and tehsil municipal officers caretakers of local governments and tehsil administrations.

The Punjab Local Government and Rural Development Department had directed the bureaucrats to carry out only day-to-day and urgent assignments, setting aside development projects for the time being.

The caretakers were also asked to keep an eye on financial matters, methods for utilization of any type of resources, machinery, equipment, buildings and staff.

After the lapse of four months during which the elected nazims have taken charge of their offices after being elected, not a single scheme has been kicked off throughout the province. Consequently, the town nazims have been facing problems of staff, machinery, office fixture and furniture, skilled manpower and assets.

Meanwhile, rumours are that some of the local council elected representatives are planning to award development projects to their favourites for which lists are being finalized.

It is learnt that the prices of building material, especially cement, bricks, sand and steel, have been enhanced from 25 to 30 per cent which would raise the cost of development works. Hundreds of contracts have already been awarded, but work could not be commenced because of a ban on initiating development schemes.

It is also learnt that several local councils had approved the budget for 2005-06, which has been annulled by the Punjab government through a notification.