Fata Annual Development Programme approved

Fata Annual Development Programme (ADP) for fiscal year 2011-12, worth Rs 15 billion, approved here on Friday. The formal approval was given in a meeting held here Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in chair. The elected representatives from Fata, high officials of Fata Secretariat, Divisional Commissioners, Political Agents and heads of Fata Line departments also attended the meeting.
Briefing the meeting on the salient features, development strategy, agency and sector-wise allocations and other features of the new year's development programme, Secretary P&D Fata said that the total volume of Fata ADP was Rs 15 billion including Rs 1452 million share of Fata Development Authority.
More than 1,000 development schemes would be implemented including around 300 new schemes. 70 percent of the total outlay has been set aside for ongoing schemes whereas 30 percent will be spent on new schemes and every development project would be completed within three years. The new schemes were also included worth of Rs 1000 million proposed by the Fata parliamentarians.
With regard to the development strategy the meeting informed that it included improvement of existing infrastructure and construction of new roads and bridges to improve connectivity; emphasis on improved social sector delivery through up gradation and removal of deficiencies from existing education and health institutions and drinking water facilities; and adequate funding to ongoing schemes for timely completion and curtailment of through forward liabilities. Funds distribution among Agencies and FRs has been made on the basis of population and area with 65 percent and 35 percent consideration respectively.
Fata parliamentarians presented certain proposals that were acceded to and expressed their pleasure over meaningful consultation in drafting the ADP. They hoped that the new initiatives included in the ADP would further enhance the pace of development in Fata.
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkwa, while addressing the meeting described the unanimous approval of Fat ADP a good omen and an appreciating step by the participants and relevant stakeholders. He said that the process of consultation with the elected representative and other stakeholders would be made a permanent feature of decision making regarding Fata affairs.
The governor said that the objective of development process was indeed to remove the sense of deprivation prevailed among the Fata people and facilitating them in all spheres of life. He said our priorities for Fata included both the peace and development. However he added that it was the development that in fact paves the way for peace. We will continue our efforts to restore peace but at the same time would make efforts for developing the area.
He said that capacity of fund utilisation was being enhanced and the concerned departments had been told to improve their efficiency in this regard. The Governor said that the situation in Fata might not be favourable but it didn't mean that we abandon our efforts for development. The officials have to perform taking risks and those who don't should leave the space for others, the Governor stressed.