Sindh Minister for Planning and Development, Shoaib Bukhari has said that Annual Development Programme (ADP) was the most important segment of the budget and the present government had taken the ADP allocation from Rs 7 billion in 2002-03 to Rs 40 billion in 2007-08.
Addressing a post-budget press conference here on Monday, he said that not only the allocation had increased by leaps and bounds but the releases and utilisation had also been around 90 percent.
He said that this time special emphasis would be on the completion of on-going schemes and a major chunk of the ADP had been set aside for this purpose. While lesser new schemes would be initiated so that the on going schemes could be completed to benefit the masses.
According to the details highest priority is accorded to Transport and Communication Sector, which is to receive Rs 7.66 billion or 19.55 percent of the total ADP which includes Rs 1.6 billion as rupee component for two aided projects.
Funds have also been allocated for "construction of Sindh Coastal Highway, new alignment of Super Highway to Sehwan and new alternate road from Khokharapar/Malir-Memon Goth - Darsano Chano-Haleji-Jhimpir-Jhirk-Mulla Katiyar-Umerkot". Rs 1.478 billion is kept as matching allocation for implementation of federal directives.
Rs 6.378 billion is given to special projects such as water supply schemes in Thar, improvement of infrastructure of city district government, Bhit Shah and Sehwan beautification plans, model villages and provision of Sui Gas for small towns/ villages. Rs 3 billion is allocated to water and power sector schemes, which includes Rs 431 million for 'Village Electrification Programme'.
Agriculture sector is to receive Rs 3.574 billion, in addition, Rs 1.15 billion as Foreign Project Assistance for 'On Farm Water Management Project' and 'Sindh Coastal Community Development Programme' will also be available. Physical planning and housing sector has been allocated Rs 3.105 billion for water supply and drainage schemes.
Education sector receives Rs 2.5 billion as against Rs 1.5 billion provided in ADP 2006-07. New engineering colleges at Jacobabad and Ghotki are to be set up. Health sector is to receive Rs 1.25 billion as compared to Rs 859 million provided in ADP 2006-07. Besides Rs 282 million as a Sindh Government share for three mega projects co-financed by Government of Pakistan and Government of Sindh in the ratio of 50:50 are also available.
Mines and mineral sector is given Rs 1.25 billion whereas Rs 1.1 billion is earmarked for Priority Programme (MPA schemes). Rs 179.182 million is earmarked for Prime Minister 'Thar Package' as Sindh Government share. The 'short term' package costing Rs 1.574 billion (with Federal Assistance of Rs 1100 million) is to be completed by June, 2008.