ECNEC approves six mega projects worth Rs178bn

September 04, 2024 (MLN): The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Tuesday approved six major development projects worth Rs178.1 billion, spanning the sectors of health, agriculture, energy, and transport.

The ECNEC meeting, chaired by deputy prime minister (DPM) and foreign minister senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, approved the major projects, including the establishment of the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment & Research in Lahore, with an allocated budget of Rs52.77bn.

The project will be financed through the annual development programme (ADP) of the government of Punjab, said a statement issued by the Ministry of Information.

According to the office of the DPM, the PC-I envisaged provision of low cost quality and comprehensive Cancer treatment through a 915-bed Institute of Cancer and Research located in Lahore.

The cancer treatment related healthcare services will be integrating various modalities such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and palliative care.

The project also plans to accommodate patients having terminal illness in the hospital.

The project will engage highly qualified personnel such as medical and engineering professionals, technologists, and administrative workforce. The project is being constructed on government-owned land.

ECNEC also approved the Sindh Livestock and Aquaculture Development Project, with a budget of Rs38.36bn, financed through assistance from the World Bank.

The project has two pillars and will support adoption of best management practices through institutional strengthening of livestock and fisheries sector, as well as promoting climate-smart production, value chain development, and inclusive access to markets for dairy, meat, animal products, and fisheries.

Another approved project is the construction of the 84 MW Gorkin Matiltan Hydropower Project (Revised), with a budget of Rs35.758bn.

It will be financed 20% through the provincial Annual Development Programme (ADP) and 80% through the KP Hydel Development Fund.

The ECNEC also approved several projects in the Transport and Communications sector, including the construction and widening of the 25 km Sibi-Talli Road and the 91 km Kohlu-Rakhni Road (Revised), with a combined cost of Rs8.4bn.

Additionally, the upgradation of the 64 km Jaglot-Sakradu Road (S-I) was approved, with a budget of Rs33.27bn.

Another approved project is the construction of the Rathoua Haryam Bridge across the Reservoir Channel on the Mirpur-Islamabad Road, costing Rs9.24bn.

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