Slow execution of foreign-funded projects in Sindh irks NCC-FFP

ISLAMABAD – National Coordination Committee on Foreign-Funded Projects (NCC-FFP) has expressed displeasure over the line departments of Sindh government for slow implementation of foreign-funded projects in the province.

Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar chaired the meeting of National Coordination Committee on Foreign-Funded Projects (NCC-FFP) in Sindh province at the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

The chair was informed that 27 projects amounting to $ 3.1 billion in communications, transport, energy, water & irrigation, education, health and public private partnership with the support of development partners including Asian Development Bank and World Bank are under implementation. The forum was apprised about the Karachi Mobility, Sindh Agricultural Growth, and Sindh Response to Stunning projects are problematic and facing huge challenges in course of implementation. It was also told that out of 27 foreign-funded projects, 14 projects have been ranked as problematic and unsatisfactory. The development partners have also expressed their serious concerns on slow implementation of the projects from time-to-time. Some of the projects may lapse foreign funding if not utilised within stipulated timelines.

The minister expressed displeasure over the line departments of Sindh government for slow implementation of foreign-funded projects in the province. He said that these projects are significant to achieve the SDGs goals in the country, so there is dire need to put them on fast track. The Minister also directed the line departments to indicate timelines for resolution of impediments and expedite the completion of these projects of public importance. He said that projects related to stunt growth and agricultural sector must be executed in timely and efficient manner. Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Mohammad Jahanzeb Khan, Secretary Economic Affairs Division Noor Ahmed, , Chief Secretary, government of Sindh, senior officials of line departments of Sindh government, representatives of PM’s Office, and Finance Division attended the meeting. It is worth mentioning here that Prime Minister Imran Khan had constituted the high-level NCC-FFP in order to fast track the disbursement and implementation of external economic assistance as the lending agencies wanted sector-wise meetings with prime minister due to consistent delays. PM Khan had assigned the ministry of Economic Affairs to convene the meetings of this committee and submit a progress report to him on monthly basis. NCC-FFP had already reviewed the foreign-funded power projects. In last week, National Coordination Committee on Foreign-Funded Projects (NCC-FFP) on education, finance, revenue, and communication sectors. The NCC-FFP had reviewed the compliance status of forum’s decisions made in light of previous meetings held on each sector. It was informed that 05 projects amounting to $1.3 billion in finance and revenue sector, 13 projects worth of $6 billion in communications sector and one project of education worth of $19.85 million with the support of development partners including Asian Development Bank and World Bank are under implementation.