USAID funding: FWDP's powers to approve projects worth Rs one billion extended

The National Economic Council (NEC) has extended the powers to approve up to Rs 1 billion projects with USAID funding to FATA Development Working Party (FWDP) for three years, well-informed sources told Business Recorder. KPK Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, in a letter to Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms, Ahsan Iqbal had stated that with distinct social values, unique customary laws, strategic importance and a special constitutional status, FATA remains central to all national discourses.
The government remains steadfastly committed towards earring the goodwill of the populace by establishing its writ in the militancy hit Tribal Agencies. The peculiar status of FATA merits a development strategy which aims at improved social service delivery made possible through effective governance practices and quick impact developmental initiatives.
He further wrote that in order to improve the socio-economic conditions of FATA and ensure rapid development by creating livelihood opportunities for tribesmen, US Government has funded its FATA Infrastructure Programme (FIP) through quick impact projects. According to the Governor, Government of Pakistan has approved a fast track implementation mechanism for the USAID funded development projects in FATA. Under this arrangement, FATA Development Working Party was delegated authority by Ecnec to approve USAID funded projects up to 1 billion for two years extended up to December, 201 6.
Governor argued that Under Quick Impact Projects (QIPs)/FATA Infrastructure Programme (FIP), 495 km of main roads have been constructed along with rehabilitation of major power supply systems. An expenditure of $415 million has been made and 59 PC-Is have been approved by FATA Development Working Party.
He said due to the significant achievements made possible under the existing mechanism, USAID has decided to contribute to its FATA Infrastructure Programme (FIP) through 2016-19 to support FATA sustainable rehabilitation and reconstruction strategy. However, the powers delegated to FDWP for approving schemes up to Rs 1 billion million expired on December, 2016.
Jhagra said keeping in view next phase of USAID funded programme, it is requested that the powers delegated upon FDWP may be extended for another 3 years - from January, 2017 to December, 2019. The sources said, Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms submitted the proposal to the NEC headed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, which accorded approval.