Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 26: Laying emphasis on use of latest technology and building capacities to complete ongoing projects within the stipulated timelines, Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today highlighted the need to broaden the scope of funding under externally-aided projects by bringing vital sectors like housing, health and education within its ambit.
He also called for strategising a plan that holds contractors accountable to deliver the projects within the stipulated timeframe and ensures that EFPs (Externally-Funded Projects) by Asian Development Bank (ADB) do not spill-over to the State Plan beyond March 31, 2017 which is the timeline fixed by ADB to complete the projects.
The Chief Minister said this while chairing two separate meetings during which he reviewed progress of development projects taken up by ERA under Loan I and II, financed by ADB under a multi-tranche funding pattern and those being executed by JKPCC.
Minister for Finance & Culture, Dr. Haseeb A. Drabu, Minister for Public Works, Floriculture, Gardens & Parks, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, Chief Secretary, B. R. Sharma, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, B. B. Vyas, Principal Secretary, Relief & Rehabilitation, Sandeep Nayak, Commissioner / Secretary, School Education, Shaleen Kabra, Commissioner / Secretary, R&B, Rohit Kansal, Commissioner / Secretary, Higher Education, Sarita Chauhan, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Asgar Hasan Samoon, Commissioner SMC, Showkat Ahmad Zargar, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Lone, CEO ERA, Vinod Sharma and MD, JKPCC, Dalip Thussu attended the meetings.
Stressing upon creation of durable assets in urban infrastructure sector, Mufti Sayeed called for expanding the scope of institutional finance by ADB and focusing on other international financing agencies, including ADB, which will enable the Government to source money in housing, education and health sectors as well
Asking ERA not to compromise with the quality of execution of works, the Chief Minister emphasised upon holding contractors accountable so that all ongoing projects are completed by March 31, 2017, a deadline fixed by ADB.
Highlighting the criticality of executing these ADB-funded projects within the stipulated timelines, the Finance Minister apprised the Chief Minister that failure to do so will make it very difficult for the State to allocate funds for completion of such projects as its resources are limited.
Nine spilled over projects of Loan I are being funded through State Plan. These projects include construction of overhead and sedimentation tanks, replacement of worn out pipes, widening and up-gradation of roads and construction of bridges.
While reviewing progress on various ongoing projects, Mufti Sayeed ordered revisiting the multi-tier parking at old KMD Bus Stand at Lal Chowk, which has a carrying capacity for only 288 vehicles, whereas the realistic requirement is far beyond what has been conceived.
On the issue of disposal of solid waste and garbage, the Chief Minister asked the Chief Secretary to finalise landfill site at Jammu so that a solid waste management project akin to that at Achan, in the summer capital, is conceptualised.
Briefing the Chief Minister about funds availed under Loan I & II by ADB, CEO ERA said that out of the Rs.3326.45 crore released so far, Rs.2350 crore have been expended.
In a separate meeting, Mufti Sayeed also reviewed the functioning of JKPCC during which he passed instructions for framing a list of projects which are expected to be completed this year. He also called for administrative restructuring to infuse new life and efficiency into the working of State’s premier construction company. “JKPCC needs to rejuvenate itself by closing all those units which are unviable,” he stated.
The meeting was informed that JKPCC has 27 field formations across the State with 13 in Kashmir and 14 in Jammu divisions.
Advising JKPCC to engage a strategic partner and improve client relationship, the Finance Minister said the company needs to venture into big projects where it can make enough profits to become a self-reliant institution. “JKPCC needs to focus on corporate governance and explore possibilities of institutional financing,” he added.
The Minister for Public Works assured the Chief Minister of revitalising the JKPCC by initiating the process of restructuring, adding that the corporation would need handholding and support from the Government at least for two years.
Some of the big projects being executed by JKPCC include the new Legislature Complex at Jammu and hospitals at Anantnag, Baramulla and Sopore.
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