CM Kamal freezes funds over flawed road construction

Vows to introduce measures to modernise farming

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal ordered to freeze funds for the construction of one kilometre highway at Khanozai Polytechnic College and Veterinary Hospital after the identification of poor quality material in the projects by provincial Chief Minister Inspection Team (CMIT).

The provincial government directed the contractors to remove flaws in the projects and reconstruct the highway and the hospital by using quality material.

The government has taken action following an ordinance to ensure the use of quality material in the construction of highways and government buildings.

Earlier, news of flawed construction was circulating on social media. The CM took notice and directed a probe into the projects which revealed mass irregularities.

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After review of Khanozai Polytechnic College highway, the report stated, “Poor quality material used in construction of the highway could wash away one kilometre highway in case of heavy rains or flood.”

The CMIT also found irregularities in Veterinary hospital at Tehseel Khanozai. “The contractor did not install street lights after taking funds and also used low quality material in the construction of the hospital,” the report added.

Uplifting agriculture

The CM chaired a meeting on Wednesday during which the provincial government sought to introduce modern procedures of cultivation in the agriculture sector.

While chairing the meeting, the CM said, “Agriculture sector plays a vital role in the uplifting provincial economy, therefore, the government is working to shift the centre towards digitalisation and introduce modern cultivation process to local farmers.”

Kamal said the use of modern heavy machinery would be beneficial for local farmers and protect the land from flood consequences.

Discussing the initiatives of the provincial government in the agricultural economy, the CM said, “Government will introduce drip irrigation and tunnel farming to help local farmers.”

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The CM vowed to announce skill development and internship programmes for farmers at the local level.

Kamal directed authorities concerned to make sure implementation on green tractor, tunnel farming and other development schemes related to agriculture.

Skill development

The CM said that the provincial government was working to commence skill development and technical education system in Balochistan because of its importance to human resources. Kamal shared these views on Wednesday while addressing a meeting to review the higher education commission’s affairs.

Highlighting the importance of quality governance, the CM said, “Balochistan lacks quality human resources but the government is putting efforts to ensure the provision of the modern and technical education system in provincial colleges and universities.”

During the meeting, an official of higher education Rashid Kamal briefed the CM about a proposal of transfer of higher education authorities to the provincial government.

Ensuring complete cooperation, Kamal said that the government would review suggestions and recommendations helpful in uplifting provincial higher education.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 31^st, 2019.