Mega projects in quake-hit areas lacking resources: Erra urges government to release funds immediately

The Earthquake Reconstruction, Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) while showing grave concern over lack of financial resources for completion of mega projects in quake-hit areas has urged the government to release the approved funds at the earliest.
The ERRA steering committee which met here Thursday with Deputy Chairman ERRA, Major General Mohammad Azeem Asif in the chair discussed delayed funds-related issues and requested the government for early release of required funds so that the projects could be completed in time.
The fate of three AJK cities development projects being executed by two Chinese companies, is hanging in balance due to funds constraints, as a consequence completion of majority of the projects is not possible due to delay for release of Rs three billion counterparts funding.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary AJK, Director General State Earthquake Reconstruction, Rehabilitation Authority (SERRA) Ghulam Nabi Butt, nominated representatives from the public, authority officials, NESPAK representatives, senior member Board of Revenue, AJK government official, Projects Directors Muzafarabad, Bagh and Rawalakot discussed ongoing projects progress.
The meeting was informed that Chinese Exim Bank is hesitant to extend loan facility without counterpart funding. In the meeting it was the opinion of majority that if the situation remains the same hundreds of under-construction projects in Muzafarabad, Bagh and Rawalakot will severely affected.
Chinese Construction Company CXB and CWE Chief Executives requested Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during his recent visit to AJK Capital for release of counterpart amount as per agreement. At the occasion both the Chinese companies executive said that counterpart funding of Rs 3 billion will helpful in completion of Rs 34 billion projects in time in Muzafarabad, Bagh and Rawalakot cities.
The meeting reviewed on going scheme of water treatment plant Makri Muzafarabad costing Rs 799.7 million and accorded approval. The Deputy Chairman directed the concerned officials to ensure project completion within time.
Director General Muzafarabad City Development Zafar Hussain Wahla apprised that the treatment plant will provide clean water for about fifty year to the city dwellers. He said the projects will also improve Municipal facilities in the city.
He said that with the availability of funds and resolution of counterpart funding, all on going projects including slaughter house, fruit and vegetable market will be completed at the earliest to benefit people of Muzafarabad. In the meeting Bagh and Rawalakot City Development Projects Directors appraised the meeting about sewerage, water supply schemes, roads and bridges construction progress.
During the meeting Deputy Chairman directed all stakeholders including Project Directors to remove all kinds of impediments for early completion of projects for the earthquake effected people. Deputy Chairman ERRA directed that water supply and sewerage facilities to be given top priority so as to improve living conditions for the urban population.