PSDP-2014-15: Over Rs97b allocated for various projects in G-B

Communications and works depart to get major chunk of the funds.


Our Correspondent June 09, 2014

ISLAMABAD:


The federal government has made a total allocation of over Rs97 billion including a block allocation of over Rs9 billion for various development and non-development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan under the Public Sector Development Programme for the financial year 2014-15.


KAGB projects:

According to budget documents, Rs9.23 billion has been earmarked for projects being initiated under the Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Division (KAGBD).

For the construction of 26MW hydro power project at Shaghartang in Baltistan, Rs100 million has been earmarked. The project was approved on November 11, 2011 with an estimated cost of Rs4.85 billion.

An allocation of Rs50 million has been made for another 30MW power project in Ghowari, Ganche district of Baltistan. The total cost of the project is Rs7.79 billion and so far Rs40 million has been spent on the project.

For 30MW Naltar-V and III power projects near Gilgit Rs800 million has been set aside. The total cost of the two units is estimated to be Rs5.23 billion.

Similarly, Rs30 million has been earmarked for the construction of a 4MW power project at Thak Nallah in Chilas. The project was approved on August 16, 2012.

Under the new projects an amount of Rs50 million has been allocated for the establishment of regional grid station in GB at a total cost of Rs5 billion.

Communications Division projects

An allocation of Rs300 million has been made for the completion of 66km Jhalkad-Chilas strategic road project that was approved on February 6, 2008. But the delay escalated the cost to Rs4.541 billion.

An amount of Rs200 million has been allocated for the construction of Mansehra-Naran-Jhalkad section. The project was approved on March 25, 1999 and the total cost was Rs3.83 billion. However, by June 30, 2014 the cost escalated to almost Rs5 billion.

The government has allocated Rs4.2 billion for the realignment of the KKH and barrier of lake at Attabad, Hunza. The project includes rehabilitation of 17km portion of KKH which was submerged in the lake water after a landslide blocked Hunza River in 2010. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs26.48 billion with Rs23.55 billion to be provided by Chinese banks.

Under the Planning, Development and Reforms Division, an amount of Rs189.500 million has been earmarked for lowering of spillway of Atabad lake. The project was approved on February 21, 2013. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs995 million.

An amount of Rs5.2 billion has been set aside for the rehabilitation, improvement and widening of KKH from Raikot in Diamer district to Khunjerab on Pak-China border in Gojal. The project was approved on November 12, 2007.

For the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Rs49 billion has been set aside. Of the total amount, Rs4.5 billion has been allocated for the construction of the 460km-KKH portion from Raikot in Diamer district to Islamabad via Havelian.

New schemes

An amount of Rs10 million has been allocated for the feasibility study of a tunnel at Babusar top. The project costing Rs500 million has not yet been approved by the ECNEC. For the improvement and widening of the 167km-Jaglot-Skardu road, Rs50 million has been set aside.

HEC projects

Under the Higher Education Commission (HEC) projects, a revised budget of Rs14.535 million has been earmarked for the construction of the Karakoram International University (KIU) main campus in Gilgit. The project was approved on November 6, 2008.

For the setting up of engineering faculties on the KIU campuses in Gilgit and Skardu, an amount of Rs10 million has been allocated. The project, which was yet to be approved by ECNEC, will cost Rs630 million.

Information, broadcasting and national heritage division

For the construction of six rebroadcast stations at Hunza-Nagar district, Astore District, Chilas in Diamer District, Gahkuch in Ghizer District, Jaglot in Gilgit district and Khaplu, Baltistan Rs49.682 million has been allocated under the Information Broadcasting and National Heritage Ministry.

Interior Division

An allocation of Rs40 million has been made for the land acquisition, construction of accommodation for G-B Scouts in Gilgit, 112 Wing at Skardu and 114 Wing in Chilas. A total of Rs10.424 million has been earmarked for the construction of FIA building at Khunjerab Pass, Sost (Phase-II). A total of Rs31.518 million has been allocated for the construction of a hospital for G-B Scouts at Minawar in Gilgit.

An amount of Rs45.710 million has been made for construction of long firing range and approach tracks and boundary wall of GB Scouts in Gilgit and Skardu. The estimated cost of the project is Rs83.520 million.

A total of Rs154.889 million has been set aside for acquisition of land for construction of GB Scouts HQ, a playground, mosque, MT workshop, residential and non-residential buildings for G-B Scouts 113 Wing in Gilgit and 112 Wing at Skardu and FC line and office at Jutial, Gilgit.

An amount of Rs24.320 million has been set aside for the acquisition of land for G-B Scouts headquarters and 112 Wing at Skardu.

An amount of Rs5 milli0n has been earmarked for external water supply to FC headquarters at Gilgit.

For population welfare programme an amount of Rs118.722 has been set aside.

Under the Planning Development and Reforms Division, Rs2 billion has been set aside for GB development.

Water Power projects

A substantial amount of Rs25.7 billion has been earmarked for 28mw power project in Basho in Skardu, 7100mw project at Bunji, Gilgit, 4500mw Diamer-Bhasha dam, Harpo, Skardu project and Shyok dam.

Rs40 million has been set aside under the Inter-Provincial Coordination Division for laying of synthetic hockey turf at Gilgit and improvement of Naltar ski slope. 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 9th, 2014.

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