CDWP approves Space Centre project among others

ECNEC to review Rs240b mega projects for Karachi water supply, Lahore filtration plant

ISLAMABAD:

The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) on Thursday approved seven development projects worth billions of rupees, referring three major initiatives totalling Rs240.537 billion to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final approval.

The meeting, chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, cleared four projects worth Rs12.437 billion while recommending three mega projects worth Rs240.537 billion to ECNEC.

The most significant project referred to ECNEC was the establishment of Pakistan Space Centre (PSC), sponsored by SUPARCO, worth Rs37.130 billion. The project aims to develop indigenous capability for designing, assembling, integrating, testing and qualifying satellites, reducing Pakistan's dependence on foreign facilities.

"The project is a key component of the National Space Programme (NSP)-2047," Iqbal said. "It will strengthen Pakistan's self-reliance in space technology by enabling cost-effective development of satellites to meet strategic, scientific and socio-economic requirements." ECNEC will also consider two major infrastructure projects: the Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme (K-IV) 260 MGD Phase-I worth Rs171.814 billion, and the Lahore Water and Waste Water Management Project worth Rs31.592 billion.

The Karachi water project includes construction of an intake structure with 650 MGD capacity at Keenjhar Lake, a pumping complex with two pumping stations of 130 MGD each, and a pressurised pipeline conveyance system. It also features three water storage reservoirs, three filtration plants, a staff colony and access roads.

Iqbal termed the Karachi project a vital public service initiative with far-reaching social and economic benefits for the city's residents. "The federal government is investing a huge amount of funds to ensure availability of safe and clean drinking water, improve public health and hygiene, reduce financial burden on low-income households and save them from the expensive water tanker mafia," he said.

The minister directed the Sindh government to submit a comprehensive report on synchronising all critical project components, particularly the completion timelines for 50 MW power supply and distribution network augmentation, to ensure timely operationalisation. The Lahore Water and Waste Water Management Project includes construction of twin 3-km raw water pipelines, a 54 MGD surface water treatment plant at BRBD Canal, flocculation and sedimentation tanks, gravity sand filters, chlorination building, sludge management facilities, and a 4.5-km transmission main.

The project also covers establishment of district metered areas, feeder mains and water distribution pipelines, bulk flow and consumer water meters, a SCADA system, and a 5 MW solar power system. The forum directed the Punjab Planning and Development Board to provide an undertaking ensuring allocation of required annual funding through the Provincial Annual Development Programme.

Among the projects approved by CDWP, four related to higher education. The forum gave in-principle approval to the revised "Strengthening of the Women University of AJ&K Bagh" project worth Rs2.550 billion. Iqbal constituted a committee comprising the Member Science and Technology, Member Infrastructure, and Chief PP&H for cost rationalisation.

The minister directed the Higher Education Commission to prepare a comprehensive master plan and ensure construction works are awarded only to pre-qualified, top-tier firms. "Every rupee of taxpayers' money must be spent transparently and efficiently, with a robust oversight mechanism in place," he said.

Iqbal instructed HEC to prepare a panel of qualified Class-A contractors for universities and ensure all revised project proposals include photographic evidence of work completed under previously approved costs. Project directors must be appointed strictly on the basis of relevant qualifications, expertise and professional experience.

CDWP also approved the "Provision of Academic Facilities at Emerson University, Multan" worth Rs1.044 billion, subject to cost rationalisation. The "Establishment of Hyderabad Institute for Technology and Management Sciences" worth Rs4.559 billion was approved, with the minister directing HEC to increase buses from two to six through internal adjustments within the approved cost. He further directed removal of the endowment fund from the revised PC-I while operational costs should remain as per the original approval.

The fourth higher education project, "Strengthening of KBCMA CVAS," was rationalised from Rs5.494 billion to Rs4.283 billion and approved by the forum.