Rs459b development outlay announced for Sindh
PHOTO: FILE
The Sindh government has allocated Rs332.16 billion for annual development programme (ADP) from its own resources for the next fiscal year 2023 that is almost 50% higher compared to the originally allocated at Rs222.50 billion for the outgoing fiscal year 2022.
The total development budget outlay for the province - including provincial ADP, districts ADP, foreign project assistance (FPA) from the development partners and federal PSDP - is announced at Rs459.65 billion in FY23 compared to Rs329.03 billion FY22.
While presenting Sindh budget in the assembly on Tuesday, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said there are 2,506 ongoing schemes with allocation of Rs253.14 billion being 75% of total ADP. There are 1,652 new schemes with allocation of Rs79.02 billion being 25% of total ADP.
On-going schemes where more than 70% expenditure is made, have been fully funded for completion by June, 2023. “More than 1,510 schemes have been fully funded and are expected to be completed in next financial year 2022-23.”
The ADP breakup suggests that allocation for education sector schemes is at Rs34.22 billion (10.2% of the total size). Allocation for health sector schemes is Rs23.33 billion (6.5% of the total size). Allocation for water and sanitation sector is Rs59.36 billion (18 % of the total size). Allocation for agriculture and livestock sector is Rs10.2 billion (3% of total size). Allocation for irrigation including lining is Rs32.5 billion (12% of the total size). Allocation for transport and communication sector is Rs100.64 billion (30 % of the total size).
Sindh government has allocated Rs22.65 billion for Sindh Reliance Project. The objective of the project is to mitigate flood and drought risks by constructing 53 small dames in eight districts of the province. It has allocated Rs14.80 billion for B-PDMA component. The project is aimed at strengthening the Sindh Emergency Service Rescue 1122 by providing 230 ambulances and establishing headquarters and rescue station in six divisions of the province.
It has allocated Rs12.40 billion for Sindh Solar Energy Project (SSEP). The project is aimed to harness renewable energy in province by deployment of solar power through development of utility-scale 400MW solar power, installation of distributed solar power system on and around public buildings and provision of solar home systems for 200,000 households.
Karachi development budget
Allocation for Karachi based schemes is Rs118 billion, including Rs72 billion under ADP, Rs5 billion under District ADP and Rs41 billion through Foreign Project Assistance (FPA), Shah said.
The provincial government has allocated Rs16 billion for Solid Waste Emergency and Efficiency Project (SWEEP) for Karachi. The project includes interventions that provide storm water drain system to avoid urban flood and reduce public health risks and exposure to poorly managed contaminated waste.
It has allocated Rs17.72 billion for Karachi Sustainable Bus Rapid Transit Project (BRT Red Line) through foreign financing. It is Pakistan’s first BRT system which will be operating on bio-methane from cattle waste.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 15th, 2022.