Islamabad: Progress on rural projects reviewed

[Naveed Yaseen]

Progress of the 43 ongoing development schemes under the Islamabad Development Package 2008-09 in the rural areas of Islamabad was reviewed in a meeting here on Thursday.

Chief Commissioner (Islamabad) chaired the meeting, which was attended by Deputy Commissioner Asadullah Faiz, Director (Development/Finance) Anita Turab and officials of the ICT Local Government and Rural Development.

The schemes relate to construction of new roads, improvement and rehabilitation of old roads, water supply schemes and pavement of streets in the rural areas of Islamabad. The meeting was informed that 25 schemes costing Rs153 million under the Islamabad Development Package have been completed.

The meeting was informed that so far an amount of Rs164.140 million has been spent on 43 ongoing schemes out of the total allocated amount of Rs362.167 million. An amount of Rs198.027 million has yet not been released so far by the concerned ministry for the schemes.

The meeting was further informed that the funds for the 4th quarter amounting to Rs85 million for these schemes were committed to be released before June 2009, but the ministry has yet to release the funds. Chief Commissioner Fazeel Asghar has directed concerned officials to immediately approach the concerned ministries for immediate release of funds and ensure that outstanding payments and utilization of funds by the end of June.

The meeting was informed that even if the amount under the quarter were released, there would be a shortfall of Rs113.027 million for carrying out these projects.

The Local Government and Rural Development Department ICT has requested the government that besides release of funds under the financial year 2009-2010, the shortfall of Rs113.027 million also be released so that ongoing 43 development schemes could be completed.

The chief commissioner said that he would visit the rural area from next week and will check the development schemes as per specifications. He directed the concerned officials to ensure the quality of work.

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