Dera Murad Jamali Bypass marred by funding issues

QUETTA:

The long-awaited Dera Murad Jamali Bypass, seen as a game-changer for the area, has received no allocation in the current year's Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).

This was disclosed at a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Communications on Tuesday.

Work on the 11.19-kilometre, two-lane bypass (N-65) began in 2021. The project, estimated to cost Rs1,456.32 million, was approved by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) on April 22, 2020.

However, the scheme has faced repeated delays. The committee directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to submit a comprehensive plan at its next meeting, outlining how the project could be completed and identifying potential funding arrangements to prevent further delays.

The committee also expressed concern over staff shortages in the NHA's Balochistan region, given the province's extensive road network and long stretches of highways requiring regular maintenance and supervision.

It directed the NHA to review its staffing requirements and propose measures to strengthen its workforce in Balochistan, bringing staffing levels in line with those in other provinces.

The committee also stressed the need to provide employment opportunities to local residents by making them eligible for recruitment against relevant positions, taking into account regional requirements and the effective management and maintenance of road infrastructure.

It further directed the NHA to prioritise ongoing development schemes, ensure the timely completion of delayed projects and take steps to strengthen its workforce in Balochistan.