ISLAMABAD, July 27: The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) approved on Tuesday 17 projects to be completed at a cost of over Rs83 billion, including Rs51 billion second nuclear power plant at Chashma.
Presided over by Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz, the meeting also approved measures for full utilization of funds allocated during the current fiscal year and cleared projects in energy, health, industries, mass media, physical planning and housing, rural development, transport and communications and education and governance sector.
The committee reviewed the development funds utilization of the federal government and provinces for 2003-04. It expressed satisfaction over the level of spending as 100 per cent funds allocated in the overall development programme are expected to be utilized.
It also reviewed the progress made on a decision taken earlier for a mid-year review of the public sector development programme and decided that ministries and divisions concerned would appoint independent project directors for all ongoing projects costing Rs100 million immediately.
The ministries where planning and monitoring cells already existed would strengthen these cells by employing adequate professional staff. The other ministries would establish cells with proper staffing by Aug 31, 2004. The ministries/divisions which have been given block allocations or releases would establish separate project accounts and confirm this by August 31.
ENERGY: The committee approved installation of a nuclear power plant at Chashma, Mianwali, having a gross capacity of 325mw and a net capacity of 300mw at a cost of Rs51.046 billion.
It comprises a nuclear steam supply system, a turbine generator set and associated auxiliary equipment including electrical, mechanical and civil work. The project will be completed in seven years.
Ecnec approved construction of a 220kv grid station at Khuzdar at a cost of Rs2.901 billion which includes construction of a 300km-long 220kv double circuit transmission line from Dadu to Khuzdar and setting up of a 220/132kv, 2x160 MVA transformer at Khuzdar grid station to meet the power demands in the Khuzdar area.
COMMUNICATIONS: The meeting also approved the Lowari Tunnel and Access Roads project at a total cost of Rs7.983 billion. The scheme provides for the construction of a 8.6km-long mini electric rail tunnel under the Lowari Pass, along with improvement of the access/approach roads measuring 39.09km, and establishment of portal facilities on both the northern and southern ends of the tunnel.
PHYSICAL PLANNING AND HOUSING: The meeting gave its approval to a southern Punjab basic urban services project at a total cost of Rs7.458 billion for the development of municipal services in 425 low-income areas, provision of safe drinking water in seven towns, construction of 19 water treatment plants, relocation and construction of slaughter houses in 10 towns, incremental land development pilot project at Mian Channu and development of municipal management system in 21 TMAs.
GOVERNANCE: The committee approved a public sector capacity-building project at a cost of Rs3.538 billion, including Rs3.190 billion equivalent to $61 million IDA credit. The project is for training of civil servants to upgrade their knowledge and skill.
HEALTH: The meeting approved the reproductive health project for Punjab at a cost of Rs239.845 million. The project aims at provision of reproductive health services to the under-served and marginalized population in 10 districts of Punjab to improve women's health, and contribute to poverty reduction.
INDUSTRIAL SECTOR: Ecnec approved balancing and modernization of workshop facilities at the Pakistan Industrial Technical Assistance Centre (PITAC), Lahore, at a cost of Rs454.118 million for the transfer of plastic mould-making technology through the supply of latest machinery and equipment.
MASS MEDIA: The committee approved a project for setting up a second TV channel for education (phase-III) at a total cost of Rs722.330 million subject to approval by JICA of a grant of Rs698.695 million.
The first two phases of the project have been completed and 31 transmitters have already been installed. Under phase-III, it is proposed to provide one studio each at Karachi and Lahore TV stations, and 13 transmitters will be added in the existing transmitter buildings of PTV-I after slight modifications.
RURAL DEVELOPMENT/ AREA DEVELOPMENT: The committee approved a rural development for NWFP community infrastructure programme at a cost of Rs3.092 billion. The aim of the programme is to improve the well-being of low-income communities of the NWFP by supporting investments in community development activities in basic small-scale social and productive infrastructure.
EDUCATION: The committee approved a project for MS/M.Phil studies leading to PhD scholarships in engineering, natural and basic sciences/ humanities/social sciences for the teachers of weaker universities with a total cost of Rs613 million.
FLOOD CONTROL: The committee approved a proposal for release of funds for flood protection projects in two instalments to the provinces. The objective is to curtail the damage caused by floods are implemented in a better manner. Provinces will also increase operation and maintenance.