ADP projects face delay amid economic crisis

371 development projects worth Rs2.5b approved in recent four-month budget

RAWALPINDI:

The proposed development schemes for Rawalpindi district under the Annual Development Programme 2023-24 are facing constant delay due to rising inflation, severe economic crisis, and insufficient funding.

A total of 371 development projects worth Rs2.5 billion were approved in the recent four-month budget. Funds were also allocated for these projects. However, despite the allocation of funds, none of these development projects have been initiated, resulting in the freezing of funds for these schemes.

With prices rising every other day and constant delay, the expected cost for these projects is also expected to rise significantly. It is anticipated that the prices for materials such as cement, bricks, gravel, sand, and shuttering will almost double (surge by 100 per cent) in the open market. This spike in material costs is poised to further escalate the overall expenses for these projects.

The development projects of the District Council, Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), Education Department, Metropolitan Corporation, and the College Directorate also face delays.

Among the development schemes are plans to establish seven colleges, install 20 new tube wells, repair 34 earthquake-damaged schools, expand parks, enhance rainwater storage, improve water supply, and construct new roads, streets, and sewers. These proposals were submitted by 12 different departments within the district and received approval. Funds were duly allocated for these development schemes in the provincial budget. However, not a single one of these development programmes has been put into action so far.

According to district administration sources, the implementation of the ADP plans has come to a standstill owing to the ongoing economic crisis and the caretaker government's tenure.

The execution of ADP is set to be delayed until official authorisation is granted, as no instructions regarding this matter have been received as of yet. Additionally, the funds earmarked for the development projects are slated to be returned to the Punjab government in October, further complicating the situation. In anticipation of the upcoming elections, the provincial budget was crafted for a limited period, covering only four months, specifically from July to October 31.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 9^th, 2023.