ISLAMABAD: The federal government has allocated funds for several new development projects in Islamabad.
According to the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) of the Federal Budget for FY2021-22, Rs 1,000 million has been earmarked for carrying out work to operationalize the Peshawar Morr metro bus service in the Islamabad International Airport.
The said project – the construction of a 25.6 km long track worth Rs16 billion – was launched by the PML-N government in 2017 and the work is almost completed. However, the bus service is not yet operational to facilitate citizens.
The National Highways Authority (NHA), which implemented the said project a few months ago, handed the project over to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for operation.
According to budget documents, the government has also earmarked Rs 3,154.6 million for land acquisition for the project, Conduction of Water from Indus Water System at Terbala Dam. While, Rs35million has been earmarked for the rehabilitation and improvement of the fish seed hatchery at Rawal Dam and Rs35million has been earmarked for the rehabilitation of the Darbar Golra Sharif Road link.
For ongoing projects, the government has earmarked Rs 500 million for sanitation and road projects at Union Council Bokra, Mara Sumbal, Mara Jaffar, Bhandana Kalan, Jhangi Sayyedan, Saria-i-Kharbooza, Tarnol Golra Sharif and Shah Allah Ditta. Likewise, 167 million rupees has been allocated for the sewerage system and ICT water supply. 500 million rupees have been earmarked for development works in Ali Pur, Khanaa Dak, Tarlia, Kirpa, Charah, Tumar, etc. Likewise, 500 million rupees have been allocated for development works in the regions of Sohan, Rawal Town, Chack Shahzad, Saidpur, Noorpur, Malpur, Kot Hatyal North and South, Phulgran, Pind Bhagwal and Kuri. Whereas, Rs3000 million has been allocated for the 10th Avenue project.
School projects
Another mega development project has been approved for Islamabad’s 170 public schools, with the federal government earmarking 409 million rupees for fiscal year 2021-2022 for a development project worth 6.9 billion of rupees.
The project, Provision of Basic Educational Equipment in ICT Educational Institutions, envisages the improvement of 170 schools, including construction and renovation in addition to providing the missing equipment.
According to the budget documents, for the 2021-22 fiscal year, the government has allocated Rs 409.6 million for the said project of the Federal Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, which will be executed by the Federal Directorate of Education ( FDE).
The FDE is the governing body for 423 schools and colleges in Islamabad.
In this project, the FDE will renovate 170 schools that have been abandoned in the past. A solar energy system will also be installed in the 170 schools to reduce electricity costs. In addition to the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure in 170 establishments and five AEO offices, construction of 507 classrooms, 148 sanitary blocks, 14 bathrooms, two visitor rooms, three receptions, 17 servant quarters, 32 guard rooms, 17 staff rooms, 97 stairs, a workshop, 20 canteens, 39 laboratories, 17 libraries, 26 stair covers (mummies), 18 computer laboratories, five administrative blocks, four conference rooms, six bus shelters, two common rooms, three auditoriums , four offices, seven main offices, 13 clerk rooms and three water tanks are also included in the project.
Previously, under another project – PM Education Reforms Program, which started in 2017, 220 schools were renovated. The said project is nearing completion and for the next fiscal year 2021-22, the government has allocated 463.2 million rupees for the remaining works.
Meanwhile, the government has allocated 106 million rupees for the introduction of BS Education (four-year program) at the Federal College of Education H-9, while 47 million rupees have been approved for the establishment of a unit planning and project development and 50 million rupees have been allocated for the feasibility of a center of excellence in visual arts at Gilgit Baltistan: National College of Arts.
Posted in Dawn, le 12 June 2021
