G-B development: Govt allocates Rs19.2 billion for 15 projects

Federal government funds allocated under PSDP-2011-12.

ISLAMABAD:

The federal government has earmarked over Rs19.214 billion for various development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2011-12. These projects are in addition to the funds allocated through the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and G-B.

The funds will be spent on five projects in the water and power sector, seven projects of the information ministry and eight of the interior ministry. The major chunk of the fund, Rs18 billion, has been allocated for the construction of Diamer-Basha dam. Besides that, Rs650.956 million have been set aside for Bunji hydro-power project, Rs50 million for Phander hydro-power project, Rs50 million for Basho hydro-power project and Rs20 million for the Harpo hydro-power project in Gilgit.

The  funds earmarked for the Higher Education Programme, which amount to Rs115 million, will be spent on the construction of three hostel blocks for the Karakoram International University in Gilgit.

The interior ministry has allocated funds to Northern Areas (NA) Scouts, 113 Wing, for construction of residential units in Gilgit. About Rs24.397 million have been set aside for the construction of residences for both single and married JCOs (junior commissioned officers) and officers at their Headquarters (HQ). The ministry has earmarked Rs23.375 million for the construction of quarter guard’s wing office, JCOs Mess and officers’ mess in Gilgit. Force headquarters and NA Scouts will be provided Rs15 million for construction of residential units and Rs20 million for non-residential buildings and other facilities.

Funds have been allocated for various projects in Skardu as well. A sum of Rs45.735 million has been allocated for the construction of a mosque and other allied facilities. About Rs20 million have been allocated for the construction of residential and non-residential buildings for NA Scouts of 112 Wing.

In Chilas, Rs30 million has been allocated for headquarters of the NA Scouts 114 Wing and Rs30 million has been set aside for their accommodation. An amount of Rs13.333 million will be spent on the construction of a hospital building for NA Scouts garrison at Minawar on the outskirts of Gilgit.

The ministry of information has earmarked funds for setting up rebroadcasting stations in various districts in G-B, out of which Rs25 million have been allocated for Chilas, Diamer District, Rs20 million for Gahkuch in Ghizer District, Rs29 million for Khaplu in Ghanche District, Rs3.269 million for Joglot in Gilgit District, Rs5 million for Astore District, Rs 3.47 million for Aliabad/Karimabad  and Rs24 million for Shigar in Skardu District.



Published in The Express Tribune, June 8th, 2011.