PC-I prep, approval 'main cause' of delay in projects

ISLAMABAD:

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Economic Affairs was informed on Wednesday that delay in major projects occur due to the preparation and approval of PC-I (Planning Commission Form-I), which increases both the cost and completion time of the schemes.

PC-I is a project document describing its need, description, justification, location, duration, cost estimates and the tangible and non-tangible benefits associated with it.

The session was presided over by Atif Khan.

Speaking on the occasion, Economic Affairs Division (EAD) Secretary Kazim Niaz stated that it was difficult to brief the committee on 298 projects in a single meeting. He suggested holding a separate briefing for each sector.

The secretary noted that the major projects currently pertain to energy and communication.

The committee chairman observed that, in addition to federal government projects, provincial government schemes also rely on financial aid.

Niaz replied that they remained in contact with the planning departments of the provincial governments. He noted that major projects faced delay for several reasons, including the preparation and approval of PC-I, which increases both the cost and completion time of the schemes. He pointed out that acquisition of land for projects like Diamer-Bhasha and Dasu then ultimately becomes difficult.

The EAD secretary informed the committee that land for the Dasu Dam had not been available for 10 years and was only obtained after great efforts, adding that the process of appointing a project director had been sluggish.