CDWP clears Quetta-Zhob section of Western Route for approval

The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved two projects at the cost of Rs 913 million and recommended three projects valued at Rs 96 billion including Quetta-Zhob Section of Western Route to Executive Committee of National Economic Council (Ecnec). Concept clearance was also granted to two environment related projects for negotiations with the donors.
The CDWP met with Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Khusro Bakhtyar in the chair here at P-Block Secretariat on Thursday. The meeting was attended by Secretary Planning Zafar Hasan, members and senior officials from federal and provincial governments.
The development projects were presented in the meeting of CDWP for approval related to governance, physical planning, housing, and transport & communication. Ministry of Communication presented 'Land Acquisition of Kuchlac-Zhob Section of N-50' at cost of Rs 11.34 billion and 'construction/dualisation of road, Kuchlaq-Zhob section of N-50' valued at Rs 67.64 billion in the meeting for discussion and recommendation to the ECNEC. The CDWP constituted a committee comprising stakeholders to confirm and rationalise the cost and scope of 305-km road project in two separate parts.
In energy sector, Power Division presented project 'Interconnection of Isolated Gwadar / Makran Area with National Grid System of Pakistan' at cost of Rs 17.42 billion which was referred to the ECNEC.
The minister said that this is an important project for development of Gwadar connecting southern remote region with the national grid. He highlighted that availability of electricity is one of the major hindrances in development of Gwadar. The project is expected to be completed through Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) in three years.
About the governance sector, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination presented 'Strengthening of Technical Capacity of Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSRC)' at cost of Rs 418.717 million which was approved by the CDWP.
In Physical Planning & Housing sector, Ministry of Interior presented 'Construction of Accommodation for HQ GB Scouts and 114 Wing at Chilas' worth Rs 493.869 million, which was approved by CDWP. The project will provide security services for Diamer-Bhasha Dam project.
The minister said the previous government did not focus on developing Western Route, adding the government attaches priority to construction of Western Route and improving socio-economic condition of neglected areas. He said that completion of project would contribute to smooth and efficient movement of goods and traffic in relatively shorter time.