A tale of rosy projections and grim outcomes

Outgoing year paints bleak picture of development landscape

RAWALPINDI:

The previous year turned out to be a disappointing year in terms of development for the Rawalpindi district as the overall performance of various development and civic agencies remained ‘subpar’.

According to sources, fourteen mega projects stalled for the past five to 18 years, have been deferred to the New Year. Despite towering claims of high officials to initiate significant projects, not a single mega project materialised in the year 2023.

Persistent delays in commencing these mega projects have led to the escalation of estimated costs by Rs80 billion with a possibility to surpass Rs100 billion by June 30, 2024.

The longstanding Ghazi Barotha Dam project facing delays for 18 years, experienced renewed setbacks. This project has the potential to address the water scarcity issue in Rawalpindi and Islamabad for up to 50 years, but its estimated cost has surged from Rs35 billion to Rs100 billion due to continuous delays.

Read  Developmental projects remain incomplete

Similarly, the Leh Expressway project, due for 16 years, has seen its estimated cost rise from Rs17 billion to Rs70 billion. The Mother Child Hospital project, initiated a decade ago and 90 per cent complete, was closed during the tenure of former Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. The initial estimated cost of Rs350 million has now reached Rs700 million.

The Chahan Dam Water Supply Scheme, pending for seven years, has witnessed its estimated cost escalate from Rs5 billion to Rs6.5 billion. Moreover, two new state-of-the-art hospitals in Rawat and Jorian, each with 100 beds, completed construction but further work has been halted. The renovation cost for both hospitals has risen from Rs350 million to Rs550 million.

Five commercial parking plaza projects have seen a 20 per cent increase in their estimated cost. The sewage water treatment plant and new underground tunnel project were abandoned, with their estimated cost rising from Rs5 billion to Rs6.5 billion.

Read  Six water projects okayed for Pindi

Projects including the Kachehri Chowk Underpass and Overhead Bridge projects and Defence Chowk Underpass projects were abruptly terminated in 2023 despite funds being released. The estimated cost for both projects has increased by Rs900 million. Additionally, three projects for underground water tanks for rainwater storage were halted due to a lack of funds.

The project to bring additional water to Rawalpindi by replacing the old pipelines from Rawal Dam with a new steel pipeline has been postponed until the New Year. The Rawalpindi Ring Road and Daducha Dam projects have commenced but face negligible progress, with unresolved problems and difficulties. The availability of allocated land for both projects remains uncertain.

In 2023, the government administration and development agencies were unable to complete any mega projects.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 1^st, 2024