Costs of several Pindi projects revised

Commissioner gives two-year timeline for completion of schemes

RAWALPINDI:

Rawalpindi Division Commissioner Liaqat Ali Chatha Thursday approved the revised costs of several projects, addressing concerns that had been raised regarding these initiatives.

According to a statement, Liaqat Ali Chatha chaired a session of the Divisional Development Working Party during which he sanctioned the modified budgets for various projects, including those involving water, sanitation, healthcare, and special education.

The newly selected projects have been given a two-year timeline for completion.

Chatha emphasised the importance of ensuring the timely and quality execution of these initiatives. He urged for a balanced approach, where the pursuit of timely completion does not compromise the quality of work.

He also highlighted the "Ab Gaon Chamkeinge" programme, which aims to provide proper addresses to many village houses, thereby formalising their records.

Chatha recommended the swift initiation of this programme, under the guidance of assistant commissioners.

The meeting was attended in person by Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema, WASA Managing Director Tanveer Ahmed, Rawalpindi Highway SE Shahid Butt, and heads of other government departments.

Deputy commissioners from Attock, Jhelum, and Chakwal participated through a video link.

Director of Development Nazia Sudhan provided an overview of the development schemes discussed. She presented the Revised Rough Cost Estimates for the enhancement and repair of emergency services at Tehsil Headquarters Hospital and Government Special Education Centre in Gujjar Khan.

The second phase of the Kontrilla village public park and playground refurbishment project in Tehsil Gujar Khan was estimated at Rs66 million.

Another initiative, the Government Special Education Centre in Talagang, previously approved in 2022 but delayed due to an election commission ban, has been revisited with a new cost of Rs175.97 million, covering an area of 8.8 kanals.

Additionally, Chatha underscored that this upgrade will enhance medical facilities for the local community, potentially alleviating patient burden at major city hospitals.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 25^th, 2023.