Outgoing FY proves gloomy for uplift projects

Funds allocated for persistently delayed projects lapse again

RAWALPINDI:

As the fiscal year 2023-24 draws to a close, Rawalpindi faces significant challenges regarding utilising allocated funds and initiating major projects.

Government directives have mandated the swift withdrawal of all funds within institutions, leading to an immediate suspension of budgetary expenditures. Consequently, unutilised funds designated for various projects and development schemes will be considered "lapsed," highlighting a concerning trend in the district's financial management.

Throughout the year, numerous announcements were made regarding ambitious projects, yet the actual commencement of these schemes remains elusive. The promises touted by various institutions have turned out to be mere illusions, lacking tangible progress or implementation. This lack of action has contributed to a substantial rise in estimated project costs, with increases ranging from 300 per cent to 500 per cent over the past 15 to 20 years.

One of the most notable examples is the Leh Expressway project which was initiated in 2005. Despite laying its foundation stone in 2007 with an initial estimated cost of Rs17 billion, persistent delays have caused the projected cost to skyrocket to Rs100 billion after 17 years. This exponential increase underscores the challenges and setbacks faced by large-scale infrastructure initiatives in the region.

Similarly, the sewage treatment plant tunnel project, conceptualised a decade ago to address the city's sewage management, has faced substantial cost escalations. Originally budgeted at Rs1.5 billion, the current estimated cost has surged to Rs50 billion, reflecting the financial strains and delays plaguing vital civic projects.

The water supply projects, including the connection to Chahan Dam and Daducha Dam's development, have also experienced significant cost overruns. These projects, initially budgeted at Rs4 billion and Rs3 billion respectively, now stand at Rs6 billion 40 crore and Rs5.5 billion, highlighting the financial mismanagement and inefficiencies that have hampered their progress.

Furthermore, projects such as the Ghazi Barotha water project and the Mother-Child Hospital initiative have faced prolonged delays and political hurdles, resulting in substantial financial losses and missed opportunities for infrastructure development and public welfare.

In response to these challenges, lawmaker Engineer Qamarul Islam, recently appointed as the chairman of the district coordination committee, has announced plans for a comprehensive review of all public interest projects in Rawalpindi. A meeting scheduled for this month will delve into project details, prioritise initiatives, and allocate funds accordingly. The committee aims to kick-start approved projects at the beginning of the new fiscal year, potentially in late July or early August, signalling a renewed effort to address the district's pressing infrastructure needs.

Published in The Express Tribune May 5^th, 2024.