ISLAMABAD: The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec), under the chair of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, has approved Rs85.2 billion worth of six projects of health, communication and water supply.
The Ecnec discussed at length the proposal of Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination regarding the Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) spanning over the period from 2015-16 to 2019-20 and gave its approval for the project. The project would cost Rs 37,644.68 million and will be financed by the federal as well as provincial governments.
The Ecnec approved the proposal from Ministry of Ports and Shipping for provision of coal conveying system from Pakistan International Bulk Terminal (PIBT) to Railway network at Port Qasim. Under the project, construction of coal conveying system measuring 4.8km and laying of 8km railways track with allied structures and facilities for transportation of coal from PIBT coal terminal to railway siding and loading of coal onto railway wagons for onward transmission to the proposed coal fired power plants will be undertaken.
The Ecnec had detailed discussion on the project regarding construction of additional carriageway of Indus Highway N-55, Sehwan-Khairpur Nathan Shah, Ratodero Section (approx 200 KM). The project was approved at the revised cost of Rs 22,299.00 million including FEC of Rs 20,478.00 million.
The committee also approved the project of Ministry of Housing and Works regarding dualisation & improvement of Mandra Chakwal Road project (64 km) at a revised cost of Rs 9332.006 million. The project aims at improving /rehabilitating 64km existing road and construction of additional 2 lanes carriageway to make it a dual carriageway facility besides providing allied facilities & structures. The forum was informed that the upward revision in the cost is due to the enhanced scope of work which includes increased width of both carriageways from 6.1m to 7.3m, provision of Chakwal bypass (14.5km) plus additional land cost of Rs.470.00 million.
Ministry of Water and Power’s proposal about Construction of Mangi Dam and Water Conveyance System in the districts of Ziarat and Quetta, Balochistan was approved by ECNEC at the total cost of Rs 9,334.078 million.
