NAWABSHAH, June 29: The Zila Nazim, Faryal Talpur, presented Rs.1.226 billion budget 2002-03 for the district here on Saturday.

She told the House that an amount of Rs0.8 billion would be allocated for disbursement of salaries whereas Rs18.76 million would be spent on urban water supply scheme phase-IV.

She said that an amount of Rs32.15 million would be available for 22 road projects and Rs49.5 million would be spend on education.

An amount of Rs2.7 million has been earmarked for culture and tourism whereas Rs51.61 million have been spared for new schemes and Rs11.2 million for abandoned schemes.

Ms Talpur said that a sum of Rs12.4 million was receivable through the high court from M/s Al-Noor Sugar Mills on account of Zila Tax. The amount, she added, would be utilized in development schemes of the district.

Briefing the House on improvement during the last fiscal year in the health sector, the Zila Nazim mentioned recommissioning of inoperative dialysis units, upgradation of orthopaedic ward and introduction of paediatric surgery ward in the Peoples Medical College Hospital (PMCH). Four ambulances were brought back to road and campaigns against polio and hepatitis-B were launched, she added.

She said that all 22 ongoing schemes of road construction/ improvement would be completed under ADP and more schemes would be introduced.

She further said that urban water supply scheme phase-IV would be completed at a cost of Rs97.169 million.

Ms Talpur said that provincial institute of teachers’ education would be commissioned. A law college in private sector has also been planned.

She said that provincial government would be requested to sanction Rs200 million and allocation of about 10 acres of land, which is lying vacant, for the establishment of an Atomic Energy Centre (Cancer Hospital).

A lithotripsy machine would be provided to the PMCH, she said.

The Zila Nazim told the House that efforts would be made to get back Rs5 million fund, which had lapsed, and utilize it for the healthcare facilities at basic health units, rural health units and taluka hospitals.

Through block allocation, she said, electrification of 25 villages would be undertaken under new schemes or KPP-IV.