KARACHI, June 19: The government has approved Rs2 billion to provide compensation and infrastructure to those affected by the Lyari Expressway and an amount of Rs300 million has already been received from the federal government.

Besides, eight foreign-aided mega projects are being implemented in the province, in addition to the development schemes under the Khushal Pakistan Programme, the ADP and the Rs3 billion development projects in 13 drought-hit districts, out of the 16 districts in the province.

This was stated at a high-level meeting held on Wednesday at the Sindh Secretariat and presided over by chief secretary Muhammad Javed Ashraf Hussain. Among others who attended the meeting were the additional chief secretary (Development), Zila Nazims, all the administrative secretaries, DCOs, chief executive of HESCO and the managing director National Highway Authority.

The chief secretary stressed the need for all-out efforts to complete all the on-going development projects in time. About the Lyari Expressway the meeting was informed that the work on its first 3 kms was in progress and the affected families were being shifted to three locations in Hawkesbay, Baldia and Taiser Town.

Progress on the Northern Bypass project was discussed. The meeting observed that work on the stretch of first ten kilometres, starting from the ICI Bridge, was on and earthwork had been completed in that section.

The chief secretary directed the city government authorities to ensure ‘clear right of way’ for the NHA so that unobstructed execution was ensured. The NHA authorities were directed to include the rehabilitation cost in the total cost of the project.

The issue of HESCO dues was discussed with the managing director HESCO. It was decided that administrative secretaries and the DCOs, in whose cases the disputed amounts were to be reconciled, would settle the dispute by the 25th of this month. It was also decided that the provincial government would consider footing the bills of arrears of the local bodies up to 30.06.2002 on one-time basis. The Zila Nazims and the DCOs will reconcile outstanding arrears for the local bodies and submit such statements within two weeks.

Out of the Rs4.5 billion ADP 2001-02, 85 per cent of the amount has already been utilised and the remaining 15 per cent will be utilised by June 30th. This amount is almost double compared with the Rs2.3 billion utilised last year.

Under the ADP a total of 994 schemes are under implementation to provide water and power supply, road buildings, agriculture, health, education, town planning, housing and communication facilities. So far 80 per cent work has been completed.

About the Khushhal Pakistan Programme, Phase-III, the meeting was informed that the work started in January this year and by 30th June 75 per cent of the amount would be utilised. The Nazims requested extension of the completion period by two months for full utilisation of the KPP-III funds amounting to Rs3.058 billion.

Under the KPP, 181 villages in seven districts would be energised through the village electrification programme by the end of December 2002 at a cost of Rs88.84 million.

The meeting also discussed the federal government-funded Drought Emergency Relief Assistance Programme (DERA), which would cost Rs3 billion, to execute development projects in 13 drought-hit districts out of the 16 districts of the province. The progress of eight foreign-aided projects also came under review. They are the Rural Access Roads Project, the Japanese Assisted Rural Road Construction Project, the Women Health Project, the Middle School Project, the Technical Education Project, the Primary Education Development Project Phase-II, the Greater Hyderabad Sewerage (Phase-I) and the Karachi Water Supply Improvement Project. These projects are estimated to cost Rs11056.119 million.

The meeting also reviewed the progress on the Education Sector Reform Programme. This programme envisages rehabilitation of facilities in the existing primary / elementary schools, revamping of science education at the secondary level and adult literacy.

Out of the total allocation of Rs1.579 billion for the current year’s budget, the ministry of education has released Rs611.034 million. The amount has been released to the district governments.