MIRPUR (AJK)
The Earthquake Reconstruction Rehabilitation Authority has directed the project managers and the contractors to complete all the under-construction projects in Muzaffarabad, Bagh and Rawalakot districts by December 30, 2015.
In a meeting held at ERRA Headquarters on Tuesday, Deputy Chairman Maj-Gen Muhammad Azeem Asif made it clear that time extension would be given for the projects’ completion, and directed them to make arrangements for the competition of projects with the stipulated period.
He expressed satisfaction over the projects completed by end of December 2014 and gave approval for the next year working schedule of projects. The project director apprised the meeting that 25 mega projects had been completed and 50 percent of the Chinese loan amounting Rs 34 billion have been consumed. He vowed to complete rest of the 25 projects by end of 2015. About the Bagh city development schemes, he said that out of 48 projects, 10 had been completed. He added that two Bagh city water supply schemes have been completed which will cater the need of inhabitant by 2030.
He said that in the city, road network had been completed with the cost of Rs500 million which has improved traffic flow. He hoped that by the end of 2015 Bagh city 38 remaining development projects will be done.
The deputy chairman stressed a need for utilising all the resources for the completion of the projects. He told the meeting that in Bagh city International standard stadium had also been completed which will give a boost to sports activities. He added that a community centre, circuit house and Paramedical staff residential flats have also been completed and are in process of handing over to them.
Director General City Development ERRA Mr. Zafar Wahla said that a total of 10 projects had been completed in AJK while 37 others were under-construction. He added that 12 more mega and small projects would be launched in a couple of months. He said that in Muzaffarabad city and its suburbs, a total of 589 educational institutes had been completed while 365 were under construction. He said after the announcement of the prime minister, the construction of 1,000 schools, 500 each in Khyber Pakhtunkhuwa and AJK construction were underway, and that ERRA was determined to complete these projects by 2015 end.
In the meeting, ERRA officials, representatives of Chinese Construction Companies CXB, CWE and Nespak also shared suggestions for early completion of the projects.